How to Deal With a Friend That Always Wants to Fight

There are people in this world that like to fight and argue with friends. Often the tension seems unprovoked and the anger seems undeserved. Several ways exist for dealing with a friend who always like to fight. Here are a few suggestions for getting started.

Instructions

1. Assess the reasons why the friend in question may be argumentative and angry. Often misdirected anger is a sign something else is wrong. There may be a deeper issue at stake they don't know how to communicate properly.

2. Take the time to show your friend that you care about them and are available to listen to them. Arguments are a way to provoke a response and it may be your friend's inappropriate way of trying to start a conversation that may be emotionally charged.

3. Explain to the friend that you are not a verbal punching bag and they have no right to speak to you in this manner. In order to avoid further conflict, it is a good idea to walk away at this point and let your friend absorb your words.

4. Refuse to abandon your friend on a permanent basis, however much they try to push you away. Remember anger is a defense mechanism, a mask for other issues. Your friend may need to know that although they are being mean, you aren't going to leave them in the lurch.

5. Confront a friend's anger in a group setting when the tension becomes difficult to handle. Sometimes having all of your friend's present to confront an attitude problem in a caring way is helpful. People often don't realize their own behavior and group confirmation of the fact that there is a problem, may help them see more clearly.

6. Realize that there is only so much inappropriate anger you can handle and seek assistance from a third party if necessary. Whether it's a teacher, a social worker or a parent, impartial advice on dealing with an angry friend should be considered when you feel like you are losing control.

7. Validate your friend's feelings as often as possible to relieve tension on an ongoing basis.