Reducing Suffering Through Understanding

I am in a Buddhist frame of mind today. Sometimes other people inflict suffering upon us through their actions. We cannot control other people so how do we reduce our suffering at their hands?
In seeking to understand the other person, his motives, maybe even his frustrations, I can view him with tolerance and equanimity.
In this case that I am describing, I am talking about minor irritations...perhaps someone is cruel or manipulative. I am not talking about situations involving abuse.
Understanding leads to less suffering in my life...and perhaps less suffering for others as well.