After coming to the realization that perhaps I should begin to take some accountability for my changing habits and attitudes, I have decided to do the opposite. From now on, I will be blaming the situation more than ever, giving it full accountability for current predicaments. And while this may sound unhealthy, I think in moderation, there actually might be something relieving, or even positive, to blaming the situation.

It is well known that times are tough. Now more than ever are there unprecedented counts of disparity and disagreement, all with a subtle background of a dire health crisis. With a presidential election recently completed, it would be an understatement to say that we are a divided country. While the solution to these conflicts seems to be targeting each other or tearing the opposing side down, it may actually be better to take into account this tumultuous setting as the culprit instead of each other. Sometimes we need to blame the situation.

If we take a look at our current situation of the coronavirus, we can either blame the people who it spread to or those who spread it, or we can blame the fact that the most effective response to a global virus is contrary to normal human behavior and difficult for anyone to maintain or understand. More often than not, the situation is indeed more troublesome than any of its parts or the people involved.

For instance, it could be said that it is not the fault of those who dont wear masks for the current COVID crisis, but instead the fault of improper education, polarized media, and an eroding trust between the government and many citizens. While both aspects, people-based and situation-based, can certainly be considered blamable, when we target the situation instead of each other, we can begin to remedy it together.

As we move forward with political changes and continuing social and health crises, we need to be prepared to be upset -- but with the situation, not with each other. Within sensible limits, using the situation instead of others as a way to process disappointment can increase empathy and understanding. Oftentimes, there is so little that can be directly controlled, it is not necessary to put the full blame on a person or group of people.

I personally enjoy this mentality because it has greatly helped me to stay sane during the quarantine, and it has also allowed me to form many excuses for myself to not finish my school assignments. (As I re-read that last sentence, perhaps I should find a better balance of personal responsibility and situational blame.)

Regardless, although there will be many exciting opportunities to blame each other this new year, I think 2021 is the year to blame the situation instead.

Anya Miller is a senior at Century High School. Send comments on teen columns to Jeff Pieters. Email jpieters@postbulletin.com.

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Anya Miller: The beauty of blaming the situation - PostBulletin.com