These days, it seems like everyone is arguing over something. While I enjoy lively debate, there comes a time when you need to end an argument. Here's how!
Very few people are lucky enough to live in a world with no arguments. Even the most laid back individual will run into the occasional argument and find themselves uncertain what to do. We already talked about the 8 people that you should hide from your Facebook feed, but what happens when the arguing happens in "real life"?
Some people enjoy arguing and make it rather impossible to end one. When you have that situation put before you, what do you do? How can you end an argument quickly and easily and move on to bigger and better things in life?
Here are 5 ways to end an argument with even the toughest antagonist:
Concede Their Position
One sure fire way to end an argument quickly is to agree with the other person. Why continue to argue about whether or not the sky is blue, for example? In your world, the sky is blue but to someone else it might be aqua.
The same principle can be applied to larger scale arguments that mean something. Find the common ground that you can concede and agree on those points. This will generally pave the way to a better line of communication and end the argument quickly.
Walk Away
Although it may not be entirely satisfying, walking away can be a very good way to end an argument. It will not solve the argument at all, but it will end the argument if you are no longer present...and possibly prevent you from saying something that you will regret.
Walk away and let the steam out of the argument. Perhaps things will calm down enough for logic to take hold later.
Forgive Them First
There are two sides to every argument and then there is the truth somewhere in the middle. If you are at an impasse with someone and can’t find your way past it, apologize for something.
It really doesn’t matter what it is that you apologize for as long as it is genuine. Simply saying the words, “I am sorry” seems to take the air out of many arguments. Surely in the course of your fight you did or said something you wish you hadn’t. Apologize for that as a start towards a solution.
Understand Their Point of View
Remember what was said just above about the truth being in the middle? The ability to put yourself in the other person’s shoes is one of the best talents you can own in life. It pays off in many areas and none any more so than during an argument.
Try to see where they are coming from and it will put you in a position of real power. The ability to feel what others are communicating makes you the bigger person and will serve you well in life.
Agree to Disagree
When all else fails and you are clearly not going to see eye to eye, agree to disagree and be okay with it. Some folks get furious when someone else feels something different and if that is the case, you need to step away.
Nobody is forced to think one way or another and you are not obligated to like it. Simply realize that you are two different people and that the argument serves no purpose. Disagree and be okay with that.
Ending an argument is not really all that tough. Two people can argue over the silliest of things, and end it on the drop of a dime. Others can fight over huge issues that affect our society and fight for centuries. These five basic methods of ending an argument could go a long way towards changing the world if we all practiced them.
What tips can you add?