These are the problems you face when dealing with any kind of miserable person. It isn't unique to the unemployed. You can't relate, but you sympathize. That's

These are the problems you face when dealing with any kind of miserable person. It isn't unique to the unemployed. You can't relate, but you sympathize. That's seen as condescending. You feel compelled to offer to help, and that's seen as insensitive and condescending. Eventually the walking on eggshells around this person starts to make you miserable, too. But it's misery of a different kind, so it doesn't love the company.