Do not use someone else’s good news to reopen a private argument with yourself.

A friend’s announcement can turn into evidence in an old case you keep prosecuting against yourself, about your timing, your choices, the years you believe went missing. That argument was running long before their news arrived. It has simply been handed a fresh exhibit, and it will take any exhibit it is offered.

When the familiar accusation starts, notice that it did not begin this week. Then put it down and return to the conversation, which is about them and is genuinely good.