[Wolfstar]

Both of us are stiff-upper-lip types, and could stand any amount of abuse, but the sympathy just really got to us.

Sincere sympathy reflects our pain back to us. We see part of what we feel in the other person's face, and hear it in their voice. It's like taking a bandage off a still-raw wound.

Defiance, anger, stoicism, even frustration are emotional bandages.

[milagro]

Excellent insight!

[Dolphy]

Defiance, anger, stoicism, even frustration are emotional bandages.

Or in some cases battle gear :)