The next time someone does something that bothers you and you think to yourself “what’s wrong with them?” – change course and ask yourself “what’s going on in their life to make them behave that way?” Perhaps it’s divorce, death of a loved one, job loss, or even depression. Try to put yourself in their shoes. It doesn’t mean you give them a free pass for bad behavior, but it will give you more patience and empathy in dealing with them. We don’t always know the burden that people are carrying, so be kind – you don’t have to act like a doormat, but remember people’s emotions are about themselves, not about you.