What Should You Not Do When Venting? Avoid These Mistakes

Venting the Right Way: Why It Matters

Venting, when done right, can be an incredible way to release pent-up emotions. We've all been there, needing to unload after a stressful day or frustrating situation. But, here's the catch: venting can backfire if it's not handled properly. I know, I’ve been guilty of going on and on about something small, only to feel worse afterward. I remember venting to my friend Sarah once about a work issue, and while it felt good to get it off my chest at first, I ended up just ruminating on it for hours.

So, what exactly should you avoid when venting? What actions make venting more harmful than helpful? Let’s break it down and figure out how to vent effectively, without digging yourself into a deeper emotional hole.

What Not to Do When Venting: Key Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Overload the Person You’re Venting To

One of the most common mistakes is dumping all your negative energy onto someone without considering their emotional capacity. Sure, friends and family are there to listen, but that doesn’t mean they can absorb endless negativity. If you find yourself constantly venting to the same person, it could start feeling draining for them, even if they don’t say it out loud.

I’ve been on both ends of this. Once, I vented to a colleague about everything going wrong in my life, and it quickly became a one-sided conversation. I could see their face go from sympathetic to visibly tired. Afterward, I felt guilty for unloading so much. That's when I realized, venting shouldn't be about making someone else your emotional dumping ground. A balance is key.

Don’t Keep Repeating the Same Issue Over and Over

It can be tempting to keep circling back to the same problem, especially when emotions are still high. But if you keep repeating the same issue without offering any solutions or progress, it can be counterproductive. Not only does it keep you stuck in the negativity, but it can also annoy the person you're venting to.

I remember venting about a misunderstanding with a friend to my roommate multiple times. Each time I’d retell the story, I added more details, and honestly, it didn’t make me feel better. If anything, it kept me angry. It wasn’t until my roommate pointed it out that I realized I was stuck in a loop. Venting should help you process emotions, not keep you trapped in them.

Don’t Vent Without Being Ready to Listen

A one-sided venting session can feel incredibly cathartic, but remember: venting is a two-way street. When you’re unloading, you might not always be ready to hear advice or feedback. However, if you consistently shut down the other person’s attempts to share their thoughts or experiences, it can create tension in the relationship.

After I vented about an issue with a mutual friend to another friend, I didn’t give them a chance to express their thoughts. They wanted to share their own perspective, but I was so wrapped up in my feelings that I ignored it. In the end, it created unnecessary friction between us. It’s crucial to listen and be open to a dialogue, not just vent and walk away.

How to Vent Without Overdoing It

Take a Breather Before Venting

Sometimes, it’s tempting to just blurt everything out the second we feel frustrated. But, taking a moment to breathe and calm down can help you approach venting more constructively. I’ve learned that giving myself even a few minutes before talking helps me sort through what I’m really upset about. That way, I’m not just ranting; I’m communicating more clearly.

Choose the Right Person to Vent To

Not everyone is equipped to handle venting. I learned this lesson the hard way when I vented about work to someone who was already stressed out. They didn’t have the mental energy to listen, and it only made me feel more isolated. Now, I’m more mindful about choosing the right person—a friend who’s empathetic but also knows when to encourage me to move forward instead of staying stuck in the negativity.

Focus on Finding a Solution, Not Just the Problem

When you vent, try to shift your focus toward finding a solution, even if it’s just in small steps. It’s fine to vent about the issue, but after a point, turning your attention to potential fixes can actually make you feel more in control and empowered.

I remember venting about a situation where I felt overwhelmed with personal tasks. My friend didn’t just listen; they asked, "What’s one thing you can do today to make it better?" That simple question shifted my mindset from frustration to action. Venting doesn’t have to be about wallowing—it can be about identifying small steps toward improvement.

Conclusion: Venting the Right Way

Venting can be a healthy and necessary way to process emotions, but it’s easy to cross a line where it becomes harmful instead of helpful. By avoiding common mistakes like overwhelming your listener, repeating the same issue without resolution, or closing yourself off to feedback, you can make venting a productive release rather than a cycle of negativity.

So, next time you feel the need to vent, take a step back. Think about your approach. Are you ready to listen as much as you want to speak? Are you allowing yourself space to move forward, not just relive the problem?

Venting doesn’t have to be a bad thing, but with a little mindfulness, it can become a tool for healing, understanding, and growth.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.