Be Generous With Your Ear
Do you have those friends who continually bug you to meet for coffee only to offload all their latest or ongoing travails? They know you listen. They know you sympathize. Although they never take your well-considered advice — they do like to hear it.
Don’t expect the same courtesy. If you are bold enough to attempt your own offload, you are familiar with the brief pause in their current saga, a momentary look of confusion followed by an obligatory nod before the deluge resumes.
Don’t get frustrated. You are providing a service and they love you for it. Even if it’s your round, take solace in the fact that they view you as someone worthy enough to share their lives with.
Be content that you could provide the relief they needed, knowing that you too have a friend who does exactly the same for you.
