If thou canst love thy neighbour well, to speak with thy neighbour with discretion shall be no hindrance to thee. Discretion shalt thou have on this manner as me thinketh; Whoso cometh to thee, ask him meekly what he would have; and if he come to tell thee his disease or trouble and to be comforted by thy speech, hear him gladly, and suffer him to say what he will, for ease of his own heart; and when he hath done, comfort him if thou canst, gladly, gently and charitably, and soon break off. And then, after that, if he will fall into idle tales, or vanities of the world, or of other men’s actions, answer him but little, and feed not his speech, and he will soon be weary, and quickly take his leave. (John Climacus)

A bartender or barber could also benefit from this advice.

Often we just need someone to listen.

To be heard, whatever else, may ease our own heart.

No further comfort may be possible but the listening.

But in being heard - without judgment or impatience - we may also be healed.