I wasn't making the comment trying to be helpful/unhelpful but didn't realize that I'd strike such a nerve. I consider myself enormously fortunate that I've been able to get away with this all without constant pain.

All I was saying was that I've found it difficult at times to empathize even though I know that I should. I'm admitting my failure to be a good person here. And my "OTOH" comment was a recognition of being a hypocrite. I'm saying sorry without groveling about it.