Definition: The suspicious habit of claiming all past partners were “crazy” or “toxic,” implying you alone were the blameless saint in every failed relationship. Often a subtle warning that you avoid accountability like emotional landmines while fishing for sympathy points.
This martyrdom merit badge signals an accountability allergy. It frames you as the perpetual victim, deflecting any role in conflicts. Partners soon learn questioning your narrative earns them a spot in your future “crazy ex” highlight reel—effectively silencing criticism through preemptive blame deflection.
Example:
He sighed dramatically, claiming all his exes were “unhinged,” painting himself as the long-suffering blameless saint in every story.
Whenever I asked about past arguments, she’d deflect blame, insisting her exes were toxic and fishing for sympathy about her bad luck.