I say: “My son hasn’t spoken to me for a long time.”

The response I get is: “It is what it is."

I say: “I’m anxious about my blood test results.”

The response I get is: “It is what it is.”

I say: “Some part of me regrets never having had children.”

The response I get is: “It is what it is.”

I say: “My cat has kidney disease, and the vet says it’s time to let her go. I'm sad.”

The response I get is: “It is what it is.”

“My mother’s memory is fading, and I’m worried.”

The response I get is: “It is what it is.”

In each of these situations, I express a feeling or concern. I’m exposing a vulnerable part of my life. And rather than being met with empathy and understanding, I receive a formulaic........

© Psychology Today