About this quote

This line points to a common block to forgiveness: it's easier to pardon an insult than to accept that our self-worth was bruised. Ask yourself whether you're angry at the act or at the way it made you look. Decide what you want to protect, then choose a clear move — speak up, set a limit, or step back. If you can't meet the person without rehearsing a comeback, deal with that pride before you try to forgive.

When to use it

• Work — After my manager took credit for my idea in the meeting, I told my friend, "I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine."
• Family — When my sister made a cutting joke about my job at dinner, I whispered to Mum, "I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine."
• Romance — At the party he ignored me and then bragged loudly, so I messaged my roommate, "I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine."
• Sports — After the captain publicly dismissed my effort on the field, I said to a teammate, "I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine."