The lady in the office next me at work is a chronic talker. When she's out sick, people (myself included) say it's quiet because she's not there. As an introvert, I do find her rather draining. If I have a story / problem, she's had it worse. And she won't hesitate to tell you how she dealt with it and move onto what's going on in her life.

I let her ramble for as long as I can take it. And then "I've got to get some work done." At first I had to pointedly turn towards my computer and ignore her. She's now responding better and will leave my office before I have to get rude.

Plus I've gotten to know her better and can tolerate her better. : )

Now my actual real friend who has hated her jobs for the last 15-20 years but won't change her life? I just let her ramble on about how she hates her job, she hasn't ever had a pay raise, and her boss sticks her with all the bad jobs just because she's late every day. Yeah...

Nothing I can do to fix that! But she is my friend so continue to let her ramble... Yes, I have tried suggestions and questions. She knows she needs to update her resume and look for jobs. But she doesn't do it. Not much I can do for her other than let her talk.

Anyway, my suggestions for you are put up with your person for a little bit or just let them ramble as needed. If your person is truly a friend you really want to keep, maybe you put up with a little more. If your person is just somebody you don't want to piss off, maybe put up with a little less. : )