What is an appropriate reaction?

Question

So, I think nearly everyone has experienced someone ranting about their body at some point or another. 
When somebody is complaining about their body, saying their fat, or they need to lose weight, or anything really, how should someone respond if at all? 
My husband says not to say anything and to just listen because they are just “venting”, but it’s such an awkward situation for me to be in because I want to comfort them or tell them it’s ok. 
I’m tempted to give them advice on how to fix the problem, but I’m very slender and I think people would take that the wrong way. 
How do you respond to people putting themselves down to you?

Answer

I make them feel better about themselves by giving them a compliment.

Answer

I used to have a terrible relationship with myself and my body - I would constantly talk down to and about myself. The things we say about ourselves can be really hurtful, and I hated hearing others talk negatively about themselves because I didn't want them to ever feel the level of pain that I felt. 
So back in high school, I used to smack people who put themselves down like that. When they looked shocked and asked me what that was for I would tell them "every time you say or think something bad about yourself, that's what you're doing to your self esteem" and I would point at the welt. 
I've since learned how to be actually supportive and uplifting, instead of abusive. 
Now I just ask them what good they think it does for them to think and say such negative things. I talk to them about how the way we speak to and about ourselves affects how we see ourselves and how we carry ourselves - we're essentially speaking those negative things into existence. I talk to them a little bit about my own struggles, building trust and showing they're not alone in feeling that way. Then I ask the person to point out 3 things they like about themselves physically, and 3 positive things about their character. I challenge them to look in the mirror and compliment themselves every day, and to play the strengths they see.

Answer

I tell them that they are fine the way they are. When they ask me why I don't wanna lose weight or whatever, I just say "I nearly died 3 times. Life is too short to worry about things that don't matter in the long run." 
No one is going to remember you for losing weight, or whatever. They are going to remember you for the kindness you showed them.

Answer

Just listen, empathize and validate their feelings, don’t give advice unless they specifically ask for it.  Something as simple as “I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way and struggling with this.  Tell me what the most difficult part about it is” “I’m so sorry you’re having such a tough time with this, I will support you in any way you’d like me to” etc.

Answer

Shrug, say “I like you just the way you are ” and move on to different topics.

Answer

I hate it when people try to fix my problem when I moan 😂 I know that seems like the logical thing to do and that irritability is on me not them but it’s why I don’t rant to my husband because he’s too logical haha. 
Tell me I’m beautiful and move on 💁‍♀️

Answer

It depends on the person. Usually it's close friends having a bad day so I like to remind someone that they wouldn't allow another person to speak terribly about them, so why should they? We usually end up just talking about what we can do to change those views.
If it's someone random or that I don't know well, I usually don't get too deep. Offer a compliment or just tell them I get it because I feel that way too sometimes.

Answer

Well, usually if I'm unsure of the intent I literally ask "are you venting or looking for suggestions". My next move usually depends in that response, I also make sure to valid their feelings.

Answer

It depends on the person and what your relationship with them is like. Sometimes people just need to vent without someone giving their opinion or advice. If I had a close relationship with the person, I might ask them if they wanted advice or help. Like some of the others said, compliment something about them. I would generally lean away from giving advice unless asked though.

Answer

Don’t give advice. Either just listen or compliment them.

What is an appropriate reaction?

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