Is it better to understand or be understood?

Is it better to understand or be understood? Oftentimes in the past, before therapy,I would have answered with the later. It was more important for people to understand exactly where I stood so there would be few surprises. As a trainer in customer service and an account exectutive supervisor (yes there was life before porn and modeling) I found it was oftentimes better to understand. So I could tailor the message to the person in front of me. Meeting them on whatever level they are comfortable with. These days I find most often it is never one or the other. Most often a combination of the two. In any type of relationship for me at least I want to know where I stand and what are a persons bonderies. Just as important is for them to understand mine. From this point I am able to make a good decision weather this is a person I am willing to invest my time and energy getting to know. I am always forthcoming out of respect for the person I am meeting for that very reason. I do not like unpleasant surprises. I would love to here your point of view on this particular subject. I am forever practicing the art of keeping my mind open leaving space available to new ways of viewing the world in which we all share. Good journey to you all