Acknowledging when another person is going through something difficult is a way many people express empathy.
I think you probably know that an expression of empathy may bear a number of subjacent messages, or serve a purpose in an overall rhetorical scheme. It's not for me to judge intention (conscious or not). But it's perfectly conceivable that the recipient of the expression of empathy, in this case Jérôme, may feel frustrated that it rather conveniently buries his standpoint in the past discussion, along the lines, You're going through shit so we can all understand you were (excessive/wrong etc, provide pejorative epithet).
I insist that I am not judging intention. Just saying that one might feel frustrated in Jérôme's shoes.
If, on the other hand, Jérôme feels he might have phrased certain comments better, Chris' comment shows understanding and acknowledgement that we all go through shit sometimes, and this can effect how we react in certain situations. It is an acknowledgement that no one expects us to be perfect all the time and the occasional fall from grace is understood and forgiven.
I took Jérôme' response as a rejection of any notion that he has done anything to apologise for, and thus that any expression of empathy is not necessary in this context (and perhaps even unwelcome as it might be seen to imply that he might have done something he might wish to apologise for).
Given that this appears to be Jérôme's position, I think it best we leave it at that. notes from no w here
