It is so easy to blame others for mistakes. Even if we are not blaming others for our own mistakes we often blame them for accidents. How often do I hear, “I would not have done XYZ if she didn’t do XYZ.” That is blaming others for your mistakes. I also hear when I ask about an incident a litany of blame from one person to the other to avoid blame in a blameless situation. No one wants to carry the blame for a mistake or an accident but does not excuse blaming others.
The other day my daughter ran into my son while running through the house. She fell over and hurt herself. Immediately she yelled his name and blamed him for her falling. You see if he had not been standing there while she was mindlessly running then she never would have fallen to begin with. This caused a little argument between the two of them that was unnecessary. Quite simply her falling was an accident and if anyone should take the blame it should have been her. Instead of hearing, “Are you okay?” and “I know I should not have been running”. I heard, “You were the one running. “ and “Why were you standing there didn’t you see me?”. So each blaming the other for something silly which only caused hard feelings between them.
The stronger more admirable person will apologize and think more of the other person then himself. An honorable person is willing to take his share of the blame and not be tacky enough to blame others. The bigger picture will gain you respect and trust while trying to get out of blame will cause you to look immature and unworthy of trust. Be prepared to say, “Yes, I was to blame” or “I started the argument, I am sorry.” Allow others to know you are aware you and all of us make mistakes and there is no room for ego when we are loving and respecting others.