Helpful critique or unwelcome advice?

This is not particularly new, but I seem to notice it more now. When I just want a conversation and a sympathetic ear, I inevitably seem to solicit unwelcome or unhelpful advice. All I want to do is vocalize my thoughts or frustration. I really don't need someone to tell me, "Well, it's happened to me before. Let me tell you about it." Sorry, not interested!

What else bugs me about this? Someone who has an answer to everything, whether they know it or not. Instead of validating my experience, they're downplaying and trivializing it. Hey, this was what I did. "Why didn't you do that instead?" Well, I didn't! I am telling you what I did. I am not asking for a critique.

No, seriously, if I want your advice, I'll ask you for it. I'll make it clear and unambiguous, "I need your advice." "What do you think?" "What should I do?" "What do you recommend?" On the other hand, if I tell you about my day without clearly asking for a comment, I am not looking for one. I really don't care to hear how you had it better or worse.

So, reader, I am asking for your stories. Tell me about the times when someone gives you unsolicited advice or critique: How did you handle the situation?

As always, please keep it civil and relevant. I promise I will refrain from commenting on your experience, but I might be curious enough to ask questions to better understand your story.