I'm curious about something. If something that is only an annoyance to you causes a much more serious reaction in someone you'd consider a friend, do you feel obligated to inflate your reaction as well?

Personally, I think it's unfair to the person who isn't getting upset to be expected to feign as much distress as the other person. Acknowledging that the other person is distressed is fine, but when you have to pretend to be just as upset then I think that's beyond the call of friendship. I don't think I should have to inflate my blood pressure and anxiety level just so someone else isn't alone in their mental misery.

Just my opinion.