what to say to a guy who vents to you?

[Gewilliamson]

so there was this guy i used to talk to, and he would sometimes vent to me about personal things and issues going on in his life (family issues, friends, etc.). Whenever he would talk to me about those things, i would be at a loss for words. I didn't want to diss or insult any of his friends or family members by giving him advice, and it always ended up being very awkward until he stopped telling me things. I don't know what i'd do in that situation if it ever happened again with another guy, so a), what do guys want from girls when they tell them personal things, and b), what should i say to a guy after he's finished venting? thanks :P

[Melodic]

In situations like that, I typically say stuff like "Geez.. that sucks" or "I wish you didn't have to go through that." Sometimes you really just can't say anything though, and that's okay. You shouldn't feel obligated to give advice to anyone when it makes you uncomfortable.

[kevenity]

just act supportive and understanding even when you don't know how to handle the situation. the best thing to do is just be a good listener. that can be really helpful for you and the person. don't have to give advice just let him know you're happy to hear what he has to say.

[Just JT]

Just listen, and be there for him...just being a friend is all

[Lawrel]

It's very rare for guys to usually vent on anything. So if he is sharing his feelings about people to you, then I think he is pretty close to you and is seriously expecting some good advice. I think you should give him your suggestions to his problems.

[ashdyn]

Sometimes people don't even want advice or anything. They just need someone to listen to them. Just listen and be like that really sucks. If you can relate to what he's telling you then you can tell him about it and what you did. Honestly tho if he doesn't ask you so what do you think or anything like that he's just looking for someone to vent to. Just let him do it. Take his side on things lol be a good friend

[Zachary G]

I think when a guy vents to a girl who is his friend all he wants is a listening and sympathetic ear; not someone who will have pity for him, but just someone who can be there to listen. The only thing you could really say woulbe, "Im sorry you have to go through all of that and I am glad you can talk to me about it." Unless he asks specific questions, there really isnt much to say. Just be his friend

[Tesserax]

Say a word or two to try and help him out. Make it objective though, don't single out reasons or assign blame. Just tell him "This is your issue from what I can see, this is how YOU as a person can handle it yourself".

For example, a girl recently came to me saying she felt out of control of her life and worthless that she relies so heavily on others to live, how her family is dysfunctional and she feels bad that her immediate family has to care for her and stuff.

I told her simply that she's not weak or worthless, that there are other amazing figures such as Stephen Hawking who rely on others for simple tasks, yet are considered to be the most amazing men alive. That human beings evolved not to do everything on their own but to work together to survive.

Try to help him out more next time, don't give him silence. If a guy tells you his darkest secrets and problems:
1) he probably likes you
2) he genuinely wants help
3) he will feel hurt when you basically ignore him
Do it in such a way that you don't express interest though, if you're not. Just be a good friend, or person if you're not even friends, and be kind to him. You never know what may happen, you may save a life if it's really that bad

[Typhlosion]

Hugs are free, too!