There comes a time in every relationship when understanding must be practiced.  If not, then I have to find a way to wrestle my 17 year old to the ground and shove a bar of soap into his mouth.   He called me on his way home from work to let me know where he was.  This is a result of a discussion about my right to know where he was and who he was with.  I did not yell, I am proud to say.  Anyway,  he was telling me where he was and his ETA, when he had what sounded like a tourettes episode and yelled F^&%$  A*&$%^ into the phone.  I must have gone into shock.  I didn't say a word for 10 seconds.  I just was stunned.  Then continued to talk to me.  I finally asked what is going on.  He explained that a truck ran up behind him and bumped him, then took off.   He didn't realize what he did.  I finally asked him if he remembers cussing at me.  He panicked and started apologizing desparately.   Well I could have lectured him on this and bored him to tears.   Instead, I acted shocked and hurt.  I told him I was going to call his dad and report that he was cussing me.  My son started pleading with me and apologized again.  He couldn't say he was sorry enough.  I told him his dad will probably fly home just to whip his butt and fly back to work.  I did this for about 5 minutes and then started laughing.  This was far more fun than getting angry and grounding him.  In fact I think I will get that bar of soap.