I used to be that guy that always tried to solve other people's problems whenever they poured out their problems in front of me. I guess there were two reasons for this: One, I didn't realize that some people simply want to let it out and they are not really interested in a solution. Two, I identified too much with their problems and in order to make myself feel better, I tried to be helpful.
Nowadays, I have a pretty good grasp when someone really wants helpful input for their problem and when someone simply wants to vent. And while it still causes certain feelings inside myself whenever I hear someone vent (especially when it's clear that they are simply complaining and not doing anything about it), I view those situations as opportunities to grow by managing how I react to those things. Ideally, I simply accept that they are not my problems and go on with my life. (That's definitely a work in progress though.)
