[ he mulls this over...how to explain this in a way that Peridot would understand. ]

Think of it this way. Imagine you set up a lighting set-up for my performance. You've worked hard, you've tried your best, you've spent all morning trying to get it perfectly, you've fiddled with the wires. You've spent hours on this thing that you're certain I'll like and certain would impress me.

And not only do I not use the set-up, but I don't even acknowledge that you took the time and effort to set it up in the first place.

That's what it's like if you don't eat dinner.