Vulnerable. Perception. Perspective.

The most prominent words of 2009 (for me):

vul⋅ner⋅a⋅ble
–adjective
1. capable of or susceptible to being wounded or hurt, as by a weapon: a vulnerable part of the body.
2. open to moral attack, criticism, temptation, etc.: an argument vulnerable to refutation; He is vulnerable to bribery.

But if we were not vulnerable, we would never know pain. If we did not know pain, we would have less empathy. If we are not empathetic with ourselves and our friends, how then, can we truly know them?

per⋅cep⋅tion
–noun
1. the act or faculty of apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding.
2. immediate or intuitive recognition or appreciation, as of moral, psychological, or aesthetic qualities; insight; intuition; discernment: an artist of rare perception.

Perception changes. I often wish I could perceive things as if I were seeing them for the first, innocent time. However, with each moment we live, we must realize nothing will ever be exactly the same as it was.

per⋅spec⋅tive
–noun
1. the state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship: You have to live here a few years to see local conditions in perspective.

One gains perspective on people by enhancing communication. Communication is successful when we learn to ask and listen. Perspective also changes as knowledge and acceptance are attained.