“Desperate Blame Game Goes Awry: Husband’s DUI Cover-Up Lands Him Behind Bars!”
Instead of taking responsibility for their actions, people often find ways to blame someone else
So instead of taking responsibility for their actions, these people often find ways to blame someone else. In relationships, it’s called blame-shifting and can be harmful to couples as it repeats manipulative and controlling behaviors.
“Blame shifting in toxic relationships is a manipulative tactic used by one party to avoid taking responsibility for their actions or behavior. It involves the person who is at fault deflecting blame onto their partner, making them feel guilty or responsible,” explains Sherry Gaba, LCSW, a licensed psychotherapist and life coach.
This often happens by detracting the focus of the conversation from them and shifting the attention and blame to their partner. In relationships where one significant other is held responsible for another’s faults, it can erode self-esteem and self-trust.
Breaking out of the destructive blame cycle is possible, but it requires emotional maturity and communication. The couple can try a different method of communication than they did before, as a shift in perspective can be impactful.
“It’s never easy, and it can feel defeating—even painful—especially when the emotional wounds are still fresh. However, one simple shift in perspective has the power to transform the value and meaning of a relationship,” says Dr. Edward Ratush, a sex therapist and board-certified psychiatrist.
Leading the conversation with empathy and understanding that the partner is most likely not doing it out of spite but rather responding out of their trauma or reflex might help to chip away at the situation and move forward. If the couple can’t do it alone, they might want to reach out to couples counseling, where trained experts aid in healing individuals and couples.
