Are You Playing the Blame Game?

When things go wrong, blame is an easy way of taking the spotlight off ourselves and shining it on others. From the first excuse we used as a child, shifting blame often becomes an all-purpose gadget in our toolbox of defenses, so handy we often reach for it without even thinking. Blame helps maintain our self-image and preserve our dignity, it’s a convenient form of procrastination, it’s less painful than blaming ourselves, and it can be a potent psychological weapon. Basically, it lets us off the hook. Take this quiz to see whether you’re playing the “Blame Game.”

1. I have used the phrase “How could you do this to me?”
   

2. I would be more punctual, except my carpool is always late (or my spouse doesn’t have breakfast ready on time, or my son never puts the car keys where they’re supposed to go or…).
   

3. If I’m angry at someone, I usually start off my sentence with “You make me so angry!”
   

4. I’ve been known to put off projects, but it’s because I don’t have what I need. For example: “I would have had that report for you today if my assistant had gotten me the numbers I needed.”
   

5. I’d be a better dad/mom if only my boss didn’t demand so much of my time.
   

6. My children always have an excuse. I hear “It’s not my fault” from them all the time.
   

7. If I trip or stumble, my reaction is usually something like, “What idiot left that brick here for me to trip over?”
   

8. If it weren’t for _________(fill in the blank), I’d be a success.
   

9. I can’t help it if I am the way I am. My childhood was pretty rotten.
   

10. It seems I’m always getting stuck in someone else’s messes.
    

11. When something goes wrong in the house or at work, I immediately look for whose fault it is.
    

12. When others don't act the way I would, I perceive them as being wrong...and might just let them know it!

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