Not everyone who tells you a problem
wants you to solve it.

Somebody tells you about their morning. The boss, the car, the appointment that ran late. Before they have finished, you are already working out what they should do.

It comes from a good place. But a lot of the time the person was not asking for a plan. They wanted somebody to hear it. They wanted to set it down for a minute in front of someone who would not make it heavier.

Next time, it is worth asking: do you want help with this, or do you just want to tell me about it? Most people know the answer straight away.

Often the most useful thing you will do all afternoon is listen to the end.