Some of those are quite eggregious, others, well, not so much.

I also hate the "one-upper", or those who take what you say and make it about themselves or how they feel. It's just sad.

On the flip side though, does everything have to be validated? (1) isn't there some intrinsic validation that comes first and foremost and (2) sometimes are we just wrong? Isn't it helpful to hear some of those things - especially from the people we love?

I know some of the things that come out of my mouth are just, well, self-indulgent whining. I'm aware and open to that and grateful when people point it out to me sometimes.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm all about emotional support and caring, but relationships also have to be about truth. Sometimes I can't see it. Isn't a healthy relationship also being about openess to another's truth?

Is it that much of a threat that we can't say "you know, maybe you ARE right I need to listen at how I sound."