Discussion in all my relationships: "I just want you to listen to me, not try to fix the problem!". I think I'll just go for the guys next time I hear that...
tbh the only reason I told my girlfriend to stop giving me advice when I'm upset is that she sucks at it. She only gives me obvious advice I already thought of and it's really annoying.
You are correct. It IS sympathy. Sympathy acknowledges the situation. Empathy acknowledges their feelings, more like "I can imagine how this situation makes you feel."