I find I'm much more compassionate of people's foibles if I can think of a reason to explain it. And, as a writer, I can *always* think of a reason to explain it. The guy driving like a madman through traffic? Just found out his wife is in labor with their first child in a hospital at the other side of town, and he promised her he'd be her birth/breathing coach. The person taking forever to order at Starbucks? Has never bought a decadent coffee drink for themselves before, but they just found a $20 on the sidewalk outside the store, and thought it was a sign of how to spend the money. :-) It becomes a fun little game. (Just in case you'd rather not have to beat yourself up to avoid getting mad at other people....)