Great read on the mood – perception connection.
“The researchers suggest the findings might be of interest to judges, for instance, who would probably like to know that their mood literally warps their perception of the people appearing before them in court. Solid EQ rests on your ability to accurately perceive the feelings of others, and this study shows your emotions can easily get in the way of your ability to do that. Thankfully, if you’re aware of this tendency you can start to correct for it by asking yourself if your colleague’s expression is really so dour, or it’s just your foul mood that’s making his neutral expression look so glum, or alternately, if you’re missing the simmering annoyance of a co-worker thanks to your sunny mood.”
Citta Counselling 