Difference between self preservation and appearing as if everything is OK has blury lines.
"You look happier", is the painful reminder of the battles you fought which no one was there to witness. They only see the aftermath and the "compliment", has turned into a harsh reminder - you've been through few hells, you didn't go ahead with what your mind was throwing at you at your darkest moments, you still came through for the souls that were struggling but needed that silent support and occasional appearance so they can let out their own demons...
