About this quote

The line uses dry humor to point out how people often fear the idea of an ending while avoiding the uncomfortable details. It forces you to see the gap between what you say you worry about and what you actually deal with. Ask yourself where you skirt uncomfortable facts instead of facing them; then pick one small step, like calling a doctor, writing a will, or talking to a loved one. Making a plan reduces the nagging anxiety and lets you focus on day-to-day living.

When to use it

• Situation: Office layoff meeting, you crack, 'I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens,' to cut the tension after they mention job cuts.
• Situation: On the way to a colonoscopy, you tell your friend, 'I'm not afraid of death...' to hide how nervous you actually feel about the procedure.
• Situation: While planning your elderly parent's funeral arrangements, you blurt the line to lighten the mood when emotions run high.
• Situation: Before a big playoff game, a teammate jokes, 'I'm not afraid of death...' to laugh away the fear of failing in front of everyone.