One thing my social circle has started doing recently, which I find very useful, is using the “wrench” and “ear” emoji to indicate whether they are looking for help fixing a problem, or just needing to vent about their problems.
The issue between Fixers and Venters is longstanding; nobody is wrong for having their own ways of coping with a problem, but it can still make our friends feel frustrated and unheard if we try to help them the way WE want to be helped, if it’s not the way that they prefer or need.
I can’t think of any great think-pieces about Venting versus Fixing, but if any cross my mind I’ll come back and post them here. (Edit: Apparently Multiamory has a podcast about this, but it breaks it into three reactions. I’ll see if I can dig up a transcript.)
Update: Found this TikTok today, “This is Shit” – it’s a very 👂 song. https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdssWKn5/?k=1
Emilybook 
I like it
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Thanks! It’s a great shorthand, in my experience.
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