Following, is quite possibly the shortest editorial I've ever written.

Do you ever feel misunderstood or that someone is not taking the time to see things your way?

I don't pretend to have many conventional wisdoms to impart, but something I've recently learned I feel is worth sharing with you, and that is: Seeking to understand before you can be understood yourself in any relationship or situation pays off.

Putting myself in another's shoes to see things from their perspective or imagining what is going on in their world, yields great results in understanding a negative situation we may find ourselves in with loved ones, friends or co-workers.

It's not easy and takes practice, but when done, it can change a misunderstanding or rift between you and another.

In turn, you both have come through without any scars, and you're both feeling understood, appreciated and respected.

Today, try seeking to understand another first - before reacting, and see if it doesn't change the outcome of a lover's quarrel, argument with a co-worker or confrontation between siblings.