Sure, some of us are more sensitive to these threats than others, and those types are more likely to fly off the handle or lose touch with logic. Emotional Hyper-Reactivity in Borderline Personality Disorder. Sansone, R., Sansone, L. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2010 Sep; 7(9): 16&ndash;20. Emotional reasoning and anxiety sensitivity: associations with social anxiety disorder in childhood. Alkozei A, Cooper PJ, Creswell C. Journal of affective disorders, 2013, Sep.;152-154():1573-2517. That courts further invalidation, since friends and partners may feel even more inclined to bring ‘em back down to earth.
Why this works: The warmer tone and gestures (combined with the eye contact) communicate: Hey, I hear you. I'm here for you. Without that warm tone and kind gesture, the same words could sound as if they meant, Of course, there you go again. What do you want from me now?