Yes!! We always need presence of mind/discernment in order to know how to respond well to others. One reason I doubt the efficacy of prayer is that the gift of discernment never seems to arrive. I pray all day - while on my knees scrubbing floors, while weeding and dog-walking. I especially emphasize "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." I've offended, I've failed to do good, and if I don't forgive others, I have no right to receive forgiveness for my own sins of omission or commission.

But it's no use. Everyone else seems to get a free pass for being offensive and demeaning or failing to "be there," while I seem to be held to a higher standard, and I almost never hear "I forgive you."

Everyone has some annoying trait we must overlook. Do we love unconditionally, or do we keep judging those who don't live up to our expectations? Maybe our expectations are unrealistic. Maybe we all need to read "Awareness" by Anthony de Mello and just stop EXPECTING anything and start accepting people as they are.