About this quote

We often pretend our social rituals exist to help the person in trouble, but they usually just entertain the bystanders. Think about the ridiculous tasks we ask people to perform under the guise of assistance. Have you ever watched someone try to drink water upside down while holding their breath? It does nothing for their physical spasm, but it gives everyone else a great laugh. Real friendship means knowing when you are being helpful and when you are just enjoying the show.

When to use it

• Your brother is trying to cure his hiccups by eating a spoonful of peanut butter while standing on one foot. You laugh and use this quote to point out that he is just putting on a free show for the family.
• During a stressful office meeting, a coworker suggests a highly convoluted brainstorming ritual that everyone knows will fail. You whisper this line to your colleague to break the tension and make them laugh.
• You watch your gym partner try a bizarre, trendy warm-up stretch that looks completely absurd. You joke about how these new fitness trends are just designed to amuse the other gym members.