“The urge to blame is based on the fear of being blamed.”

– Douglas Stone, American author and lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School

“I’m glad for the company,” said Annette. “I’m usually at these things alone.”

It was the weekend of the annual craft fair at the local garden centre, and the writers’ group had set up a table displaying books by club members and local authors. I was busy setting out copies of my new self-esteem book while Annette, a fellow writer, was setting out copies of her latest work – the biography of a famous southern belle. I was standing back inspecting the display when Annette recognized a one-time neighbour in the crowd and waved her over.

“How have you been, dear?” she asked. &...

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