"What do you really think?" I answered the question even though it felt like a trap. A few minutes later I found myself in an unexpected argument. Ever happen to you? A lot of us are on edge in this politically charged environment, and it is admirable when people fight for what they believe in.

But is being "right" worth belittling someone, or worse, making them feel unsafe with expressing their views? Here's what you can do instead to turn a heated situation into a productive conversation where both of you feel heard. 

Settling is everywhere. We settle for relationships, jobs, and lifestyles that never fit us in the first place. The draw to it could be security, but what are you really sacrificing in the long run? If it's fulfillment or happiness, it may be time to say goodbye.

Too many times during the day we think harmful things about ourselves and others. One thing's for sure: before we can give our compassion to the world, whether in the form of a check or a smile, there first has to be empathy for the self, for your imperfections, and mistakes.