Dear hyfly,

Might I please share with you a technique which I am trying to develop, but sadly have not yet perfected, within myself.

When I encounter a situation which causes me concern, I try to avoid jumping to any conclusions whatsoever and, instead, attempt to gently and privately approach the person and or persons involved and share my concerns with them. Most often I find that the root of the problem was not their intent, but my misinterpretation. This is especially true when dealing with persons who have a different native language, different background, different culture and different lifestyle than I.

This technique has saved me much embarrassment and made me many friends in places where I could easily have created enemies had I been so impulsive as to let my emotions get the better of me.