How to Handle an Argument

Dealing with a disagreement

Sometimes your life can appear to be a battle zone when you have to deal with a disagreement with someone. What determines if you survive the argument with your sanity intact is how you deal with conflicting viewpoints. Learning how to stay in control and handle a disagreement can help alleviate the stress of the situation and help you walk away from the argument a happier person.

Instructions

1. Decide whether the argument is worth fighting. It might be a small disagreement that can be easily dropped. You do not want a little disagreement to escalate into something bigger.

2. State your case calmly and with respect for the other person. Kindly reinforce your views with facts if possible. Do not yell at, attack or be judgmental toward the other party.

3. Listen wholeheartedly to the person you're having the disagreement with and do not interrupt him. Try to understand everything he is saying. Do not form opinions and rebuttals in your head while the other party is speaking.

4. Let the other party know you are paying attention by using verbal and non-verbal gestures. A good non-verbal gesture is slowly shaking your head up and down to show that you are listening. A good verbal gesture would be to reiterate the other party's views after she has finished talking.

5. Come up with a solution to the argument that you will both be happy with, or one that you can both live with. This may require that you both make some concessions.

References

• Facilitated Solutions: Dealing With Disagreements - Positions and Interests
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Writing Center: Argument