When I watch my sister talking with my mum about health problems, I'm aware that - as a man (and a programmer) - I repeatedly fall into the trap of 'trying to find a solution'. So I humbly suggest to all the other men/programmers out there who are caring for someone else, always try first to acknowledge what someone is saying to you, rather than trying to jump straight to a solution, because the latter can sometimes appear to be ignoring that person's feelings or condition, or failing to acknowledge them.