Rationalization is putting something into a different light or offering a different explanation for one’s perceptions or behaviors in the face of a changing reality. A defense mechanism involving the construction of a logical justification for seemingly illogical or unacceptable feelings or behaviors. Rationalization can be conscious or subconscious. This defensive maneuver is often called “making excuses.” People who rationalize know on some level (conscious or unconscious) that they have done something unwise or ill-advised and therefore they concoct a reason (or many reasons) why they did the right thing. Generally, this defense mechanism is used to avoid feelings of intense guilt.