Originally Posted by WhyFi

Speaking of Diamond Dogs-type... stuff... my wife has been having a frustrating time at work, recently, and she'll come downstairs to kvetch about this problem or that. I'm inclined to find ways of dealing with issues, whether they're technical or interpersonal, so I'll make suggestions like, "could you do this?" or "why not try that?"

To which I receive nothing but pushback - I can't do this, don't want to do that, etc, etc.

I think that I just need to fight my instincts and remember that she's not looking for solutions - she's looking for commiseration. I'll try to just shut my yap other than to say, "that sucks, honey - sorry to hear it. Would you like a glass of wine?"