One-upping is Tacky.

one-up (verb)
to gain an advantage in some way that betokens success

I have a strong distaste for people who seek for opportunities to one-up others. It seems to happen all of the time. However, I should add that my distaste does not include one-ups in academics, sports or competitions. I expect opposition in these arenas. My distaste is for people who find it necessary to one-up others when it comes to suffering, health, pain or stress.

Earlier this week I mentioned to someone that I had a horrible headache. This person responded, "Oh. Well, don't feel bad because I have a headache too. And I'm tired."

You have witnessed a one-up. Not only did this person also have a headache, but they were tired on top of it.

It's not like I go around pleading for sympathy from people, but I at least expect someone to respond, "I'm sorry/that's no fun/do you want some vicodin?" Or something along those lines, of course. What good does it do to one-up someone by competing against their misery? It's not like my headache managed to magically disappear because someone else had more pain than I did. In fact, I'm positive my headache only worsened.

Next time, I'm not falling in this one-upping trap again. The following is how my conversation will roll out in the future:

Me: "I have a headache."
Them: "Oh. Well, don't feel bad because I have a headache too. And I'm tired."
Me: "Yeah? Well, I was diagnosed with cancer yesterday and shortly after a wild polar bear ate my baby. When I got home, aliens burned my house down and poisoned my dog. And on top of all of that... I'm on my period. What a week!"

That will shut-up the one-uppers!