Story 6:
As a single guy, it took me a long time to learn this, but it seems to be generally true with women. Men are socialized to be active problem solvers, not necessarily listeners. I’m thirty now, and I’ve certainly made women I was trying to help or comfort more irritated by constantly offering solutions to their problems.
What I learned to do is change my mindset. I really like being helpful, so when a female friend or relative is upset, I listen. I realized that the real problem I’m trying to solve is her being upset. I can solve that by being a patient, active listener. Once she’s finished, if she wants my opinion, she’ll usually ask for it directly. Otherwise, I’ll ask, “Would you like my opinion or suggestion, or did you just need to vent?” I then do as she requests. © 19captain91 / Reddit
