A big part of the issue is that many people think they're experts on everything - the weather, football, how to raise kids, politics, how to live, etc. A second problem is that people are often too busy to be thoughtful or perceptive......it's easier to pass on a snarky comment than it is to say "what's bothering you" or "tell me how I can help". I've had more than one person tell me to "relax and drink a beer".