Re: scenario. I don’t even have to think hypothetically about this one. I’ve always told my friends that I’m willing to help them talk through anything or distract them with something else if they need it. But I also warn them that I’m not the best person for venting or commiseration. When something’s wrong, my instinct is to help remove the stressor as best as I can. But if someone doesn’t want that or if it’s not a realistic solution, then I don’t feel like I can do or say anything beyond “that sucks”. And I’ll get frustrated (and if I’m honest, bored) if we can’t move on.

I fully admit that I can be a bit of a fair-weather friend in that regard. I don’t particularly want to be but the second situation takes me way out of my depth.