About this quote

Being around people who rejoice at your setbacks wears away trust. This kind of offhand cruelty is louder than a direct insult, and it tells you where you stand in someone else's life. What do you do when you see that? Name it, set a clear boundary, and stop giving time to people who show they don't value you.

When to use it

• At a team meeting after my idea failed, a coworker smirked and I said to my friend, "Peter would probably throw a party if I stopped breathing," then started sending fewer updates to that group.
• After my ex laughed about my stress, I texted a buddy, "Peter would probably throw a party if I stopped breathing," and decided to bring up how hurt I felt at our next talk.
• At Thanksgiving, when my cousin shrugged off my illness, I muttered, "Peter would probably throw a party if I stopped breathing," and stopped volunteering to host family events.
• When a teammate celebrated my missed practice, I thought, "Peter would probably throw a party if I stopped breathing," and began training with people who actually supported me.