Sometimes those who have suffered a great deal are the ones that seem tough. The ones that remain quiet as others around them share their stories of grief and pain. No one experiences pain in the same way. Something that may not mean much to you may mean a great deal to another. So if you are lending an ear to someone who is sharing with you a part of them that has felt pain, don't lessen their experience by saying others have had it worse. Sometimes all someone needs is someone who listens without judgments or opinions.