The Blame Boomerang: Return to Sender (With Curiosity)

In “The Blame Boomerang: Return to Sender (With Curiosity),” Kelly & Geoff close out the cognitive distortions series by exploring three powerful thinking patterns that shape how we interpret relationships and conflict: blame shifting, negativity bias, and the fundamental attribution error.They discuss how blame shifting moves us away from shared responsibility, how negativity bias pulls our attention toward negative experiences more strongly than positive ones, and how fundamental attribution error leads us to judge others’ behavior as character flaws while excusing our own through circumstance. The episode emphasizes that these distortions are normal human shortcuts rather than personal failures—and that practicing awareness helps us shift from automatic reactions toward curiosity and connection.Building on the previous reflection word “Noticing,” listeners are invited to practice “Reframe” as a way to expand perspective, reduce judgment, and support more conscious, power-with communication that fosters belonging.