How to Use Humor to Stop an Argument

Sometimes the air gets so tense you feel uncomfortable. In these awkward moments, you can use your humor to diffuse the situation and stop and argument in progress. Its like when Clairee uses Ouiser as the butt of her joke in Steel Magnolias to stop M'Lynn from crying. You don't have to throw a buddy to the wolves to stop an argument with humor, but you get what the point.

Instructions

1. Laugh at yourself, and use that as the subject of a joke or humor to stop the argument. When you find yourself arguing tooth and nail about something ridiculous, like your wife burning the toast, call yourself on it.

2. Wait for a break in the argument, and bring up a silly story or anecdote from your day. It'll throw the arguers off, and it may bring some laughs. Either way, it'll help to diffuse the uncomfortable tension.

3. Go back to your younger days. Throw out popular phrases from the school yard. Use phrases like "nuh-uh," "I know you are, but what am I?" and everyone's favorite, "I'm rubber you're glue. Whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you."

4. Use sarcastic humor to stop an argument. If you find yourself in a heated debate about a sensitive topic, say something outlandish that'll be taken as a joke. If you bring some light-hearted humor to the subject, you can continue the debate, but leave out the arguing.

5. Know your audience before you try to use humor to stop an argument. If you are surrounded by your stodgy in-laws, you may want to steer clear of base humor. On the other hand, if you know everyone present would enjoy a little bathroom humor or fifth grade humor, then let it rip.

6. Try physical humor to stop an argument. Drop something, fall, spill food or drinks on yourself or throw something to lighten the mood.