Power of Saying Nothing

I tend to post thoughts from James Clear a bit later these days.
Something said in the last one I know to be true. “It's not about knowing what to say. It's about being there when nobody knows what to say. The only thing people need to hear is, "You are not alone." And that doesn't require words. It just requires your presence."
I had a mate come around obviously in distress.  I felt at a loss as to what to say.  So I just listened.  Then he said something and said, “I feel better for that.”
I had said nothing, but I know he appreciated sharing.  He was able to work though his issue.  I said nothing.  But I was there.  Really that was all he needed.
Guys especially apparently are great advice givers.  We like to solve problems.  Often what is mentioned is not so that the problem can be solved, but the problem can be shared.  Often people work out what needs doing.  My role is simply to be there.
Maybe that is what empathy is all about.  Meriam-Webster defined empathy as, “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.”  Simple and straight forward.  Often that does not involve words, and words can get in the way. 
To me friendships are born of empathy.  I heard someone say something like “you know when friendship has been achieved when there is no need for words to fill the spaces.”  That is what I find attractive.  I like the feeling of comfort that is derived from not saying anything but feeling I am understood.
Others must like that too.  That is one reason why friends are sought out.  There is not the feeling that things need to be said.  They do not even need to make sense.  The important thing is being understood.  I am way more inclined to express my true feeling when I know the listener does not judge but understands - and helps me celebrate when I finally “get it.”