Dear norit:

In general, better give an opinion when asked.

In the context of your friend who vents a lot to you, it is not fair for you to be a sounding board for her and nothing else. You need to be heard too.

If I was you, I would be asking her questions based on what she shared, so to learn about her motivations, her conflicts, to understand her better. Asking her questions will promote my understanding and give her the opportunity to understand her own situation better. Then, with better understanding maybe she will come up with new ideas, and maybe you and the two of you can share those ideas.

Did I answer your question, norit (I am not sure)?

anita