A famous author said that in order to be understood, one must seek first to understand.
I joined my friend Jacob from California at lunch with other friends who loved debating about the current situation in the Middle East. That was because the American happened to be a Jew, while the other guy, Amer, was an Arab. Over cold pasta and orange juice, they argued about who was right and who was wrong, about the bombings and the fighting, about the conflict between religions and races, and about politics. "You just don't see it!" hurled Jacob. "But you're wrong about that!" countered Amer. Just imagine them arguing while holding on to forks and knives!
But after we finished our meal, it was as if nothing happened at all. We all rode a bus on our way to an event, and everybody - Jacob and Amer particularly - was having a good time cracking jokes and singing silly songs. The two guys had vastly different opinions on every conceivable thing, but they understood each other well enough that it was just that - opinions. They would not allow their differences to get in the way of their friendship.
Treat others with respect and they will treat you royally. Respect is all about being understanding, after all. Always look at others for who they are trying to be and not just for what they seem to be. See the whole picture, not just the minor details. Be tolerant and you'll help make your own little corner a haven of peace and calm in this world of unpredictable toil and strife.