No excuses.  Have you tried living this way, giving no justifications when others accuse you of wrongdoing, not defending yourself when others point out what you have done wrong or what is deficient?  Why do you defend yourself?  It is the human desire to be seen as right, to be understood and appreciated.  But if this is the same in all humans, then by defending yourself you are increasing the sense of separation.  “But, but but–!”  We hear you think as you read these words, for immediately you wish to defend your right and need to defend yourself.  Do you see?  Try allowing others to have their thoughts about themselves and about you.  Allow their thoughts to trigger you to investigate your own.  Need you change your thoughts and ways?  If so, do so.  If not, then there is no need to defend a thing but rest in allowing.  Therein lies peace.