We also fear being rude. Other people haven’t told Mordecai that they find his negativity stifling; why should we be the first? Sometimes, though, good manners can be damaging—leaving Mordecai to wonder why it is that people head for the exits when he appears. The kinder thing can be to gently point out the reasons for his ever-shrinking network. He may respond with hurt or anger, but he can choose what to do with the information.
