Interestingly (and I'm not sure if it was intentional or not), but the first thing kimbernator did here was validate your feelings.

"It definitely sucks when..."

Like ziddoap points out in another reply, the way it's said has a lot to do with whether it sounds patronizing and insincere.

If you speak like you're talking to a toddler "It sounds like you're feeling really angry," then yeah, they're going to hate it. Or therapy-speak like "You're angry for a valid reason" can equally sound condescending. But saying "that sucks, dude." accomplishes the same goal, in a way that sounds, and is, sincere.