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It is natural to reach for advice when someone describes a difficult day. Yet an immediate solution can miss what the person is actually asking for.
Check the assignment
Try asking, “Would it help to think through options, or do you mostly want company while you talk?” This gives the speaker a choice and keeps support from becoming guesswork.
Reflect before adding
A short response such as “That sounds exhausting” can show that you understood the feeling beneath the facts. Avoid claiming you know exactly how they feel.
Know the limits of informal support
Listening does not require you to take responsibility for every problem. When safety, health or serious distress is involved, encourage appropriate qualified help while remaining clear about your own capacity.