How to Differentiate Between an Explanation and an Excuse

There’s a distinct difference between an explanation and an excuse. Sadly, someone making an excuse will often describe their excuse as an explanation, and if the person you’re explaining to is angry, any explanation will sound like an excuse.

There’s a saying I used to repeat to myself as a reminder that keeping quiet, at least in the short term, is usually the best policy when things go wrong.

“Don’t explain, don’t complain.”

It’s something I once heard that someone I respected and admired had said. I still remember the phrase occasionally, but now its meaning is completely overshadowed by irony, because it was said by Bill Cosby, whom I no longer respect or admire, and who has done a great deal of both explaining and complaining in recent years.

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