Context does not excuse everything, but ignoring context explains almost nothing.

Circumstances explain behavior without settling whether it was acceptable. Both halves matter. Strip context away and every action becomes a verdict on someone’s character, which is usually unfair and always incomplete. Treat context as an unlimited excuse and nothing can be held to account. Understanding why someone did something and deciding what to do about it are two different questions, and confusing them costs you either fairness or clarity.

When someone lets you down, separate the two questions deliberately. First ask what pressures they were under, honestly and generously. Then, still holding that, ask what you need going forward. You can conclude that a person had reasons and that you still need something to change.