Not every problem someone tells you about is a job application for your advice.

Telling somebody a problem is often just putting it outside your own head, where it weighs less. Jumping to solutions answers a question that was not asked and quietly turns them into a case rather than a person. It also ends the conversation, because once advice has been given, still feeling bad looks like ingratitude. Most people know what to do and are short of company, not options.

When somebody brings you something, ask whether they want ideas or just want to talk it through. Believe the answer they give. If they do want ideas, offer one and then stop.