No blame can be a sign of a healthy and balanced relationship. When you communicate well, there’s not need for blame guilt or fear.

A hallmark of a balanced and healthy relationship is the ability of both parties to understand and accept their individual responsibility for their own behaviour, thoughts and actions. They don’t resort to blame and avoidance when things happen that they don’t like. They accept their mistakes as well as their successes, and they expect (and allow) others to do the same.

Relationships dysfunction when either party attempts to protect themselves or the other by assuming responsibility that is not theirs. Equally damaging is the habit of blaming others to excuse one’s own behaviour.

Life is a constant learning process (well, at least there are opportunities for learning), and none of us gets it right all the time, but if the intent is there, coupled with willingness and maturity of understanding, then the relationship can flourish.