I think they're using it hyperbolically. As a parent (who also maybe has a high pain tolerance but I am a guy and we are famous for both thinking that and for not being pain tolerant) my daughter is currently like this including the earrings thing. It's more of a frustration but I know she will grow out of it as she's already gotten a lot better. I would imagine OP is in the same boat and is just letting off a little rhetorical steam.
You'd think my comment's thesis that folks with lower tolerances should be respected and treated differently would have given the rhetorical device away.