People tend to assume other people’s behaviors are because of that person’s character but that their own behavior is mainly influenced by the context or situation they are in. For example, when a person shows up late to a meeting, people may assume it is because the person overslept or is just a disorganized person. Meanwhile, when they themselves are late, they blame their own delay on the traffic situation. (Their own acts are a result of their own context.)
Examples:
A legal aid client misses a court date with their legal aid lawyer. The client blames missing it on their shift changing at their job and the fact they could be fired if they didn’t work the shift. But the lawyer thinks the client is disorganized and not serious about their case.
A lawyer reacts harshly to a legal aid client missing a court date. The lawyer says their reaction is because the law is very rigid, and missing the court date harmed their client’s case. But the client thinks the lawyer is rude and uncaring of their situation.
