Is it right to be accused of absconding from duty?

I recently had a bad breakup and I had to get off work for about three days but without permission. I had explained to my boss but he could not understand. So, I decided to go off because my mood was hurting other people in office. However, when I came back I was accused of absconding from duty. Is this fair given the fact that I took the effort to explain to my boss? Lydia

Your question can not definitively be resolved without understanding the other side. There are always two sides to every problem. Supervisors handle issues differently but some are more supportive than others.
The only commonality is that once you reveal the problem, it can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.
The workplace being a convergence of people with diverse backgrounds and emotions has rules that determine how things are done.
Your own admission shows that you deliberately absconded well knowing that your request had been rejected. There are multiple reasons why your boss could have rejected your request for leave of absence.
However, you did well to acknowledge that your personal crisis was becoming an unnecessary burden to others. The reality is that since the majority of people spend more hours at work than home, companies are now realising that it is not wise to treat employee’s personal challenges as off-limits. Some are even contracting counsellors to deal with problems like yours.
The answer to your question can be brought to a logical conclusion if we know your boss’ reasons. The major take out is sometimes life will shock you and throw you off balance.
There will be instances when relationships will dive to an all-time low in a more acrimonious manner. You need to develop a tough skin to dust yourself and move so that such problems don’t jeopardise your career.