The quote also captures how patterns form: rarely through one dramatic event, but through small repeated moments. A coworker interrupts you in meetings; you let it slide. A friend consistently shows up late; you adjust your schedule. A partner makes cutting jokes; you laugh them off. Each instance is minor enough to excuse, yet together they teach others how to treat you.
Behavioral psychology frames this as reinforcement: when a behavior meets no cost—no feedback, no consequence, no limit—it’s more likely to continue. In practical terms, tolerance is often interpreted as acceptance, even when you privately feel hurt or frustrated. [...]
