People who never take responsibility in life and shift blame usually display these 9 behaviors

Ethan Sterling by Ethan Sterling | October 7, 2024, 1:48 pm

Ever met someone who always seems to have an excuse ready at hand, deflecting responsibility like a masterful dodgeball player?

We’ve all encountered individuals who excel at shirking accountability.

But what lies beneath this pattern of behavior? What drives someone to evade responsibility with such finesse?

The truth is, these 9 telltale behaviors offer a window into the complex psyche of those who refuse to own up to their actions.

In this article, we’ll explore the traits that define those who perpetually dodge accountability in life.

1) They’re masters of deflection

When confronted with their mistakes, these individuals exhibit a remarkable talent for evading accountability, deflecting blame in every conceivable direction but their own.

In their narrative, fault is a commodity to be distributed generously to others, never landing squarely on their shoulders.

Consider a workplace scenario: a collaborative project where each team member is tasked with specific responsibilities.

As the project deadline looms, it becomes apparent that one member, let’s say Emily, has failed to fulfill her obligations.

In a progress meeting, when Emily is questioned about her incomplete tasks, she swiftly shifts the blame onto her colleagues.

She asserts that she couldn’t fulfill her duties due to a lack of information from another team member and faults the project manager for unclear instructions.

Through this blame-shifting, Emily deftly sidesteps responsibility, refusing to acknowledge her own shortcomings and accountability in meeting her assigned obligations.

2) They always play the victim

It’s almost uncanny how certain individuals always seem to find themselves on the receiving end of life’s injustices.

In my own life, I’ve come across people who make a habit of playing the victim. I had a colleague once, let’s call him Mark.

No matter what went wrong at work, Mark was always the ‘innocent party’.

It was either someone else’s mistake, a miscommunication or just plain bad luck.

But here’s what I noticed. Every time Mark played the victim, it prevented him from looking at his own actions and seeing where he could improve.

He was so busy blaming others that he missed out on valuable opportunities for growth.

So, watch out for those who consistently portray themselves as the victim.

It’s often a sign that they’re avoiding responsibility for their part in the situation.

3) They have selective memory

Memory is a fascinating thing.

While most of us remember things as they happened, some people seem to recall events in a way that suits their narrative.

Those who avoid responsibility often conveniently forget the details that put them at fault.

They remember the parts where others messed up, but somehow, their own mistakes slip their minds.

Interestingly, research suggests that our memories aren’t as reliable as we think.

Every time we recall an event, we’re not remembering the event itself, but the last time we remembered it.

This gives room for manipulation and distortion over time.

This selective memory serves as a shield for those shifting blame, protecting them from the reality of their own shortcomings.

So if someone’s story seems to change in their favor over time, it might be a sign they’re dodging responsibility.

4) They lack empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

It’s a crucial skill for forming meaningful relationships and it plays a significant role in accepting responsibility.

If someone has made a mistake that affects you, an empathetic person would recognize their error and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

They understand your viewpoint and accept their role in causing distress.

However, those who constantly shift blame often lack this quality.

For them, it’s about self-preservation, not understanding how their actions impact others.

They’re more focused on protecting their image than acknowledging their mistake.

5) They’re quick to criticize others

Ever noticed how some people are lightning-fast when it comes to pointing out the faults of others?

Yet, when it comes to their own mistakes, they’re not quite so keen-eyed.

Those who never take responsibility often find it easier to criticize others.

It’s a way of diverting attention from their own shortcomings.

If they’re busy pointing out what others did wrong, maybe no one will notice their own mistakes.

This constant criticism can be exhausting for those around them.

It creates a negative environment and hinders productive communication.

6) They’re resistant to change

Life is a constant journey of growth and change.

We learn from our mistakes, make adjustments, and try to become better versions of ourselves.

But for those who never take responsibility, this journey can be a difficult one.

These individuals often resist change.

It’s easier for them to stay in their comfort zones, repeating the same patterns and making the same mistakes, rather than face the discomfort of admitting they were wrong.

This resistance isn’t just harmful to them, but also to those around them.

It can lead to strained relationships and missed opportunities for growth.

It’s heartbreaking to see someone you care about stuck in a cycle of blame and denial, unable to move forward.

7) They avoid difficult conversations

Nobody enjoys uncomfortable discussions, but they’re a necessary part of life.

They help us address issues, clear misunderstandings and grow as individuals.

I remember a friend of mine who would always dodge difficult conversations.

Whenever we had a disagreement or there was an issue that needed addressing, she’d go silent or change the subject.

It was as if she hoped the problem would disappear if we didn’t talk about it.

But avoiding these conversations only leads to unresolved issues and strained relationships.

It’s a clear sign of someone unwilling to face their mistakes and take responsibility.

8) They’re masters of justification

Justification is a powerful tool in the hands of those avoiding responsibility. They have an explanation for everything, a reason why it’s never their fault.

These individuals can turn any situation around to appear as the innocent party.

Their mistakes are always due to external factors – unforeseen circumstances, other people’s actions, or just plain bad luck.

While it’s natural for anyone to justify their actions occasionally, consistent justification can be a red flag.

It’s a way for them to avoid owning up to their mistakes and shift the blame onto others.

9) They’re reluctant to apologize

Apologizing is one of the most sincere and direct ways of accepting responsibility.

It acknowledges that we’ve done something wrong and it shows respect for the people we’ve wronged.

However, individuals who shift blame often struggle with this.

Saying “I’m sorry” means admitting they were at fault, and that is something they tend to avoid.

A reluctance to apologize, even when it’s clear they’ve made a mistake, is a strong indication of someone who doesn’t take responsibility for their actions.

It’s a behavior that can damage relationships and hinder personal growth.

Protect your peace

In navigating interactions with individuals who consistently shirk accountability, it’s essential to prioritize self-protection and assertiveness. 

Here’s the thing: You cannot force someone to take responsibility for their actions, but you can set boundaries to safeguard your own well-being.

Therefore, trust your instincts and don’t allow yourself to be manipulated by their blame-shifting tactics.

Also, encourage open communication and hold them accountable when necessary, but also be prepared to disengage if their behavior becomes toxic or harmful. 

Remember, your worth is not determined by their refusal to accept responsibility, and surrounding yourself with supportive and accountable individuals is crucial for your own growth and happiness.