When I take the last piece of cake at the party, you say it’s because I’m selfish (character). I say it’s because no one else wanted it (situation). When I hop on a conference call five minutes late, you say I’m scatterbrained (character). I say I was juggling five things at once (situation). When I take another personal day, you say I’m unreliable (character). I explain that I had to arrange transportation for my ailing aunt Adelaide (situation). The difference here is not just a matter of cutting ourselves a break. It’s really an alternate way of telling the story.
