Emotional tone-deafness — being cheerful at the wrong moment — causes real harm. Taking a coat from someone in cold weather and pouring vinegar on soda (nitre) both produce discomfort or violent reaction. Mismatched emotional responses do the same. True compassion requires attentiveness to where people actually are.
Memory phrase: Be kind to sad hearts.
Talk about it: How can you tell when someone needs quiet kindness rather than cheerfulness?
Prayer: God, help me be kind and caring to people who are sad.