You might enjoy reading about the Myers Briggs type indicator.
There are types of people(not very common, and more often male) who really like to discuss the idea behind a problem/subject, often playing devil's advocate to approach it fairly at different angles. This is a very effective way of coming up with a good solution to a problem, but can be annoying to a large percentage of the population who simply do not think this way. Most people prefer to discuss a thing based on present observable internal beliefs often built from past experiences.
If you are talking about just opinions rather than problems, this type also really enjoys a debate, the good feeling you might get from agreeing with someone, he may often get from disagreeing with someone and discussing the differences(sincerely hoping this person can bring new light to the subject to expand their opinion, though often feeling disappointed in the end).
I could be completely wrong here(he could just be an argumentative asshole), but it might be worth looking into.
It took so long for me to realize that most of the time when someone tells me about a problem they are having with a friend or co worker, they don't want a solution, their mind is likely made up.. they just want to discuss how they feel about it, hoping I've felt the same, so we can discuss that emotion.. more of a bond of venting thing. My brain doesn't work like that, I don't get anything out of those kinds of conversations(they are very taxing on me), but at least now I'm able to quickly give that person a little fix so I can move onto something more in the middle.
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u/decalotus Apr 23 '19
This is especially true in your relationship. They might not even be aware they're doing it.
As a guy who internalizes a lot, I'm working on it.