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