Bummer that you got that kind of vitriol for giving the best advice you know how. Your perspective changes as you age, but in your case, you've also traveled and actually lived abroad for extended periods of time, and that can make a difference in how people relate to you, ..often they can't. In all fairness they also only have their own experience to draw on but are too quick to judge nonetheless. Seems to me that pointing out the positive aspects to life is a perfectly valid tactic in this situation.
Thanks Onno.