Without knowing much about your situation, I think the best you can do is just try to avoid conversations like the ones you describe. Also it depends on the context. This is an oversimplification, but if it's someone you don't really need to please, then why not just say what you believe? I understand you are talking about friends here, but these friends need to learn to be more supportive, it seems. If it's with the right person (a good friend, for example), perhaps it could be cathartic to vent a little bit. My opinion is that a true friend ought to be able to understand your frustration. That might be easier in theory than in practice.