Awareness

To be aware is to have your eyes open. To be aware is to realize you are ignorant. You may not know everything about the situation you are assessing. You may be mistaken about someone's intentions, and you may be acting or reacting improperly.

Being aware means you realize others are also ignorant. Others may also be acting or reacting to things that they don't fully comprehend. That means not flying off the handle at someone.

It happens to the worst of us, though, some of us cannot control the gut reaction to berate someone's ignorance. I attempt to vent my anger and negative energy when I discuss things with my friends and family. This allows me to approach a situation with a more broad perspective, and look for understanding.