When I'm unhappy, I'm not going to shorten what I have to say for whatever reason because feelings aren't concise.  They are impulsive; sometimes hard to define.  And very often, the problems that cause these feelings don't come in neat little packages.  That's why stories can be so long.

People need to talk even if it doesn't solve their problems--even if there is no solution to their problem--because it is a release from tension.  Just let them wander.  Have patience. These are the moments they put all their trust in you, when they need you the most.  These are the sensitive moments.