I'm also a problem solver ...

I've taken multiple courses in active listening, but I always have to start a conversation by internally determining ... OK, is this person telling me something that I need to resolve, or is it just something they need to get off their chest?

My wife and I actually verbalize this to each other ... "Hold on, are you just venting? Or do you want me to help you resolve something?" It sounds cold, but it actually helps us listen better and in different ways.

I consider myself a reasonable listener, but there's always room for improvement.