The two are NOT mutually exclusive. Every now and then my hubby does something that drives me insane with frustration - and I discuss it with him and we resolve it as adults. But sometimes he's at work when I've discovered what it is, or I'm away, or whatever - and in those circumstances I WILL unload on friends before talking with him - for a few reasons 1. it gives me an outlet so that when I talk with him I am calm; 2. it provides me with perspective in case I'm over-reacting; and 3. it helps me figure out exactly what and why whatever it is has upset me.
I agree with you. Yes, I do offload to friends etc, but I don't say things about people that I wouldn't say to them. I stab people in the front, so to speak.