It becomes very difficult to argue about something if the parties involved are not on the same page.  I have been the transgressor and victim of this many times in the past.  This same page needs to happen outside of arguments.  Not being on that same definition can cause fights to break out with the most serene of people.  It never hurts to ask, “What do you really mean by that?” if you are not sure – or paraphrasing what you think the other person is saying/asking can help prevent uncomfortable and bitter discussions.  Many of my arguments have no misunderstandings, but I need to do some damage control after this last failed explanation at a request that was interpreted way off my intended path.