It's kind of baffling to see the level at which people make excuses these days. Someone can be found confidently making excuses for his or her failure in life; academics, career, business, and a whole lot of the diverse aspects this life offers. It's not a new thing today. It's only new if one hasn't paid attention well enough to notice the actions and responses of people to situations. And this mostly comes up when the situation at hand is one that seems complicated.
One will easily consider this and maybe agree that it's in the nature of humans to always give excuses. Right or wrong, I think the situation here calls for more. One that requires a careful and clear analysis of oneself, and the promptings to such attitude of making excuses. They could be fear, unwillingness, unreadiness, and the likes of other reasons.
A diagnosis from my end has led me to consider that humans - most - are at far ends when it comes to taking responsibility and owning their actions. The average human being will always want to find a way out of a predicament, even if they were to be part and parcel of it. What better way than giving some reasons to validate those claims or actions? So, I find this most times an attitude that rises from the whims of escaping responsibility for one's actions and deeds rather than owning up to them.
Don't get me twisted though, there are times that of course, excuses are valid and necessary for the situation at hand. It shouldn't be heard or seen that one is bearing the responsibility of what wasn't his or her fault. In such case, I think excuse is a "just" way out.
I've had my share of excuses made in life. From minor situations to ones of much significance. In almost all cases, it was for a desire to not be found wanting. Some were necessary, some not really but then, I shouldn't be found wanting, right?
There were a number of excuses which I did hear from people and I just had to be wowed. Not because of how much an excuse they were, rather for the confidence of the individuals to provide such excuses. One of such was when a lady; I think, came late for a planned session or class. I was surprised indeed by her excuse when she said she had to go make her hair at the time. Funny part was that she was not saying it so she could even be permitted to attend it. No, so she could go back and continue. Well, I respect her idea to inform the leader.
This other one was in school, during one lecture when a certain course mate walked in late. About to be sent out by the lecturer, he questioned him why he was late. It was kind of funny and surprising to hear his reply; "I forgot to set my alarm". It's a good excuse you might say, but certainly not to the lecturer who had to still send him out. It was an unfortunate situation, but I think not many individuals will pretty much find that as a valuable excuse.
Here's another. This seems common among a list of many excuses on a daily basis for being late; "I forgot". This is much unwelcomed as an excuse in almost all cases I've seen it used. And when it seems welcomed, it's because it was rather being overlooked, not because it was worth a reason. Yet I say, there are situations that indeed the persons did forget. But when this excuse has been abused, how many will take it?
"Excuse will only take one as far as the excuse can be excused". So how about when it can't be accepted? Or when it won't be tolerated? What then do you do? I think excuses should come from true and valuable reasons. If not, then we own our mistakes and try not to repeat them again.
This is my entry for the #februaryinleo prompt, Day 7. You can participate here
Images are mine