I know it's nice to have a confidante, and it's flattering in a way to be chosen as one. What I don't understand though is the need women have for someone to pretend to listen while they deliver an unedited stream of consciousness about their worries, insecurities, jealosies, frustrations and whatnot. Why would that kind of thing be interesting to either side?
Maybe women actually do take an interest in that sort of thing. After all, "you're not really listening" is the standard complaint they make to men, so it must seem natural to them that someone would listen. The difference between the sexes comes out most clearly when there's a solution to the problem. The man presents the solution and thinks that should be the end of the matter. The woman isn't really interested in a solution, she just wants to vent.