How to be a good listener and not give advice?

When someone comes to me with problem, my first instinct is to solve it. I have a friend who is constantly depressed. He comes to me with problems and just wants to complain. He doesn't want me to give him advice. He just wants me to know where he's coming from. I have a hard time because he complains about things, but doesn't do anything to make them better. How can I be a good listener?How to be a good listener and not give advice?
i don't think you are the person with the problem. i understand sometimes people need a shoulder of a friend to cry on, and need that person to sincerely listen to you instead of trying to solve the problem. if he constantly comes to you, and it's his nature to be depressed constantly then you should knowledge of him with his mistakes. but if you want to be an easy friend, here is my advice to be a good listener.





when he talks about what happened that day, use eye contact. look deeply in his eyes and try to understand where he is coming from. the problem may seem foolish and unimportant sometimes, but try to understand why he is so unhappy.How to be a good listener and not give advice?
Instead of thinking what to say next just genuinely hear what he has to say, and be compassionate.
Just listen to what he says and he'll be good.