When To Tell Not Show in Your Novel

You've been told to show, show, show, but when is it okay to stop showing and tell moments in your story. People have different opinions on this but I think: Never.

Writing your story is about showing through introspection. If your character is numb, or they're just watching the world go by with no thoughts, feelings, or opinions of their own, then it is okay to write "Lily walked over to the coffee pot and picked up a blue mug." Why is it suddenly okay to write like that? Because this is still introspection. The character is not interested in the action, they may be distracted, or perhaps they are not feeling, they have no rections or opinions; perhaps they have just experienced something traumatic and they are just going through the motions of their life.

It is never okay to tell.