How To Respond To A Venting Person: Tips To Be A Supportive Friend And A Good Listener

When a dear one is in a serious venting session with you, it becomes essential to be mindful and cautious of how you respond to it.

If frustration has ever caused you to bubble inside—compelling you to express your feelings through a swearing or ranting session, or maybe cry to a friend who would listen—then we feel you. The urge to vent your bitterness to a trusted person can be a healthy coping mechanism that can help you deal with your troubles. When venting to someone, it can help clear your mind and manage your emotions. However, many people do not know the correct way of responding to someone who is venting, and they end up talking more and listening less, offering unsolicited advice, and making the person feel worse. To be able to respond better, follow the guide below.

Be patient and accepting.

Allow them to share their deepest emotions and secrets that are causing them trouble without getting annoyed. Remember to switch on your patience mode to help your friend feel heard. Do not respond rudely to them, or they might feel hurt and upset.

Respond in a non-judgmental manner.

You have to focus on tackling the situation calmly and comprehend the actual cause of their frustration or annoyance. Do not jump to conclusions—it can annoy them further. Help your venting buddy pause a little and reflect on their feelings. You may also guide them to identify their inherent issues and help resolve them. You should help them perceive the situation from all possible angles and find a logical outlook to resolve their negative feelings.

Avoid the “you should/you could try this” responses.

It might be natural for you to help your friend seek solutions to their problem, but sometimes being a good listener is enough. It is essential to understand that the individual venting to you is capable of seeking solutions—what they really want is—for someone to be present to comfort them. When your friend is venting, they are already overwhelmed, and offering them a “you should/you could try this” response can worsen their feelings.

Show compassion by letting them speak their heart out

At times, only words of compassion can calm mental agonies and help ease a person’s suffering. So swear by the phrase, silence is golden, and let your troubled friend speak their heart out to lessen their woes.

Speak less, hear more, and show that you truly care.