小作怡情，大作傷身

小作怡情，大作伤身
xiǎozuōyíqíng,dàzuōshāngshēn
an occasional display of histrionics can add a playful element to a relationship, but overdoing it can lead to a breakup (admonishment derived from the saying 小酌怡情，大酌傷身，大酌伤身 xiǎozhuóyíqíng,dàzhuóshāngshēn)

CEDICT

Entry Composition

1 小作怡情 xiǎozuōyíqíng
  1. (neologism) being “moderately high-maintenance” (i.e. affected and drama queen-like, yet coquettish) keeps the love relationship fun
  2. being “moderately high-maintenance” (i.e. affected and drama queen-like, yet coquettish) keeps the love relationship fun
2 大作 dàzuò
  1. your work (book, musical composition etc) (honorific)
  2. to erupt
  3. to begin abruptly
3 傷身 shāngshēn to be harmful to one's health