A shortcut to prevent stress

👂 Today’s tip: You can let someone vent to you without listening.

Most complaints fall into one of three categories, Michael Thompson explains. There’s the gripe from someone who just wants to ruminate on setbacks. There’s the pragmatic identification of a problem. And then there’s the vent: “Venters aren’t focused on finding a solution,” Thompson writes. “Venting is primarily about getting something off one’s chest — and receiving validation.”

Stress is contagious. It’s also the last thing you need right now. If you have a friend who wants to vent in your direction, know that you can be their sounding board while protecting your own mental health — they didn’t come to you to be walked through a problem, so you don’t have to fully engage in order to give them what they need.

📚 More from Forge on getting things off your chest:

The Complain Brag Is Even Worse Than the Humblebrag
Read more >>

There’s a Better Way to Vent Your Frustration
Read more >>

In a Healthy Company Culture, It’s Okay to Vent in Private
Read more >>

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