Consideration for other people’s feelings and perspective is an hallmark of empathy.  The lack of which often piss people off.  In my early 20s, I gave a speech in front of my Toastmasters group about how our society seems to place importance on youth, and how people would go to great length to hide signs of aging, like dying their hair.  Coincidentally there was a woman in her 50’s with jet black hair.  I remembered vividly seeing her facing muscle twitched as I mention that point.  She probably thought that I was singling her out.  Even though it was just a matter of not thinking before speaking.  Afterwards in the parking lot, she seemed livid and was complaining to another attendee.  I didn’t think much of it at the time.  But thinking about it now, she probably hated the sight of me afterwards.

These days I make an effort not to offend people needlessly.  Now sometimes there are positions where I’m passionate about and I will take a stand.  But even then I try to be diplomatic instead blunt.  I don’t always succeed, but at least I make an effort.  I think pissing people off needlessly is really stupid. 

On the flip side, People have done or said stupid, rude, or insensitive stuff in front me.  Most of the time I let it go like water off the the duck’s feather.  I think sooner or later, Karma will catch up to them.  I do however try to learn from the situations, and avoid doing the same when I’m with others.  For examples, 1) Don’t walk away when someone’s talking with me.  It’s just plain rude.  2) When taking pictures in social gathering, make an effort to get everybody.  Otherwise when you leave someone out, especially consistently in multiple gatherings, it sends a message that you don’t think of them highly…