The problem is we have an increasing societal problem that "lacks" in understanding empathy.

There are times when it is "ok" to make a joke and walk away, and there are times when it is more appropriate to sit and actually listen. It actually takes a strong ego to be able to have the courage to sit an listen and empathize with others, as being in touch with emotions can be scary to some people, actually a lot of people have that challenge and it is those people that make horrible parents/nurturers and even treatment providers.