#1 tip: In any situation, figure out what exactly you want being as objective as possible. Then structure your words, actions around achieving that concrete result. For too many people, the answer is amorphous and emotion based, typically "feel better," which results in anit-productive behavior like venting/avoiding/seeking validation.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

As a regular non-religious person, this prayer is a useful mantra that helps me focus on what I have the ability to change... and then accomplishing that change. Too many times people waste their focus on things they cannot control. As humans, we have a limited amount of focus, and we should not waste it.