When people ask me for help, it’s either something physical, like lifting a few containers of water, or mental, like thinking about how to market an event on social media. But it rarely comes in the form of something emotional.
Emotions are difficult to solve at face value. They require you to do two things: listen to the person and understand their intentions. The latter requires more emphasis. Did they reach out to you just to have someone to “dump” all of their heavy baggage, or do they want to seek advice for their betterment? In my experience, it is usually the former, but sometimes people do ask for advice, and it’s important to give the right kind.
My most recent encounter included a high school friend of mine. They struggled with the difficulty of managing family dynamics and finances, which took a heavy toll on them emotionally. I offered a few words of understanding, and that was enough for them to feel better. They had an action plan in place, so I didn't need to dispense advice.
These kinds of events rarely happen. But they serve as an important indicator: someone is trusting you to listen to their story and understand their situation. You could say it as a privilege: someone has earned the right because they are reliable.