People want to vent.
No solution.
No advice.
Just talk.
I'm sure you've encountered a situation where someone just started to share what was going on in their life, but in a negative way, right?
What did you do then?
If you’re anything like me, your natural inclination is to solve their problem. This has been my approach for a while. I never really understood that it's not always the best action until I was in their shoes.
Talking and listening to people taught me that they don’t ask for help unless they want it. They want an open ear. A listening heart. A person to trust. They need honesty.
What should you do now?
Next time someone comes to you with a rant, a complaint, or a negative situation they encountered in their life, remember they are in pain. Listen with your heart. Try saying this instead: "I understand."
Say it once.
Say it a few times.
Say it as many times as they need to feel comfortable.
They don't need your solutions.
Show understanding.
Show care.
Show empathy.
I will leave with this…
I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.
- Ernest Hemingway
- Ahmed Nadar