The first Friday the 13th of the year, which is January 13, 2023, marks National Blame Someone Else Day. Don’t we blame that day for anything that goes wrong anyway? If you must leave the house today, go ahead and plan your best stories of how someone else (or some thing) may be at fault for whatever happens. We’ve all had plenty of practice so it shouldn’t be a wildly daunting task. But, read on if you need a little more inspiration!
History of National Blame Someone Else Day
Blaming others goes way back. In fact, it started with the first couple when Adam blamed Eve for the entire apple-indulging incident. He even took it a step further to blame God, since, after all, God did create Eve. Clearly, this would not have happened if God hadn’t made woman. Adam sure is a tough act to follow but plenty of people have attempted to raise that bar in blaming others throughout the centuries. Fridays have long been considered an unlucky day and the number 13 has long been considered an unlucky number; however, superstitions that Friday the 13th is an especially unlucky day did not garner attention until the 19th century. National Blame Someone Else Day began one Friday the 13th in 1982 when Anne Moelle’s alarm clock failed to go off resulting in a full day of bad luck. So, now we have the opportunity to enjoy an entire day of blaming people for any and everything that is, has, or will go wrong. There are two camps of people when it comes to blaming others, those who like to joke around with the most ludicrous tale as to why something isn’t their fault and those who are totally unable to accept responsibility for things going sideways in their life. Actually, most of us are likely somewhere in the middle of that spectrum. Read on to see where you may fall.
National Blame Someone Else Day timeline
William Tyndale created the word “scapegoat” when he described a Jewish Day of Atonement ritual where a priest laid the sins of the people on one goat to carry the rest of its life in the wilderness; the goat bore the blame for others.
While Eve could take full credit for this phrase, it was popularized by comedian and actor, Flip Wilson, in the 1970s.
German pop-duo, Milli Vanilli, encourages the subject of their #1 hit, “Blame it on the rain, yeah, yeah.”
In the medical world, Patient Zero represents the first person confirmed to have a new disease; sometimes referred to as a “medical scapegoat.”
National Blame Someone Else Day FAQs
What prompts people to always blame others?
People blame others as a defense mechanism referred to as psychological projection in the medical world. People deny the existence of their own positive or negative qualities impacting their life and, instead, attribute the issues to others.
What are some indications I am blaming others?
Listen to things you say or pay attention to how you perceive situations. For example, if you rationalize your behavior today resulted from the actions of others, you may be in blame mode.
How can I deal with a blamer?
If you find yourself face to face with a blamer, don’t take what they say personally; it is highly likely they blame others and you are not the first person to deal with their blame. To work through it, put yourself in their shoes and don’t get defensive.
National Blame Someone Else Day Activities
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Stay home
After all, it is Friday the 13th! Why risk it? Simply tell your boss you can’t come in because (cue the blame) you have friggatriskaidekaphobia, a fear of Friday the 13th.
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Celebrate with the world online
Throughout the day as things happen that require blame to be placed, be sure to jot down what happened and who or what you blamed. At the end of the day share it with your friends on your favorite social app. We all could use a good laugh! As well as some ideas for next year, or tomorrow.
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Embrace your mistakes
Commit to yourself that starting tomorrow you will begin owning up to your mistakes. (Go ahead and enjoy today.)
5 Benefits Of Accepting Blame
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We all make mistakes
Remember: No one is shocked. You aren’t special. It’s OK.
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Owning up earns respect
When you acknowledge your mistakes, others are more apt to trust and respect you; people appreciate honesty and humility.
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See it as a learning opportunity
Instead of sweating the mistake, find the opportunity to learn and grow from it.
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Focus on the future
Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, keep your mind focused on your future success now and appreciate what you have learned.
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Owning up is contagious
Blame is contagious but so is accepting responsibility; do your part to create an environment where people are comfortable admitting mistakes and moving on.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL BLAME SOMEONE ELSE DAY
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We love a good laugh
The taller the tale, the larger the laugh. Try to go a little bigger than “the dog ate my homework”.
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It inspires creativity
When people are in a pickle, they can get really creative. The point of today is to blame someone in jest so strive to come up with an excuse others will want to copy.
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It gives us a pass
Even if only for one day! Go ahead, blame someone…today.
National Blame Someone Else Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 13 | Friday |
| 2023 | January 13 | Friday |
| 2024 | September 13 | Friday |
| 2025 | June 13 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 13 | Friday |
