I agree, I also think that some folks just don't know what to say. They are uncomfortable perhaps and want to push things away.

Sometimes people think that they can deal with their fear of illness and trouble and death and hardship with a simple platitude. Although I really should not put that down, using a phrase to get through the moment can be useful too. Maybe if they just kept it to themselves.

Humans have all sorts of confusing ideas and beliefs about illness (which is currently my main hardship). For me, when someone uses a phrase like that in response to me sharing some about my life, I tend to feel as if I've been told to shut up.

Sarah