Keep Calm in an Argument
Have you ever found yourself in a heated debate or argument with someone you care about? It's natural to feel a rush of emotions in these situations, such as getting hot or irritable, and it can be challenging to keep your cool. However, maintaining your composure is crucial for preserving the relationship and bringing the discussion to a calm conclusion. In this post, we will discuss three tips for handling heated debates with grace and respect.
Firstly, any relationship in your life should be built on a foundation of mutual respect. Whether it is with your sibling, best friend, parent, colleague, or partner, respect should be across the board. This means that if you value the person you are in an argument with, you need to decide what your end goal is and how important it is to you. Do you want to be right, be heard, or be happy? Most of the time, people just want to be heard and not dismissed. By giving them space to articulate their viewpoint without being dismissive or manipulative, they are more likely to mirror that same respect back to you, leading to healthy dialogue instead of intense arguments.
Secondly, get inquisitive, not defensive. It can be hard to see the big picture, especially when you're deep in a disagreement. By slowing things down, taking a breath, and trying a more inquisitive approach, you can get to the root of their thought process. Asking genuine questions, not ones to bait or corner, will help you see the person more clearly and engage in healthy dialogue. The goal isn’t to be right, it's to get it right. Even if that means you both understand each other's points and agree to disagree, even agreeing to disagree is a sign to the other person that you respect their right to a different opinion.
Lastly, release control. Sometimes, we want so badly to win or prove our point that we forget we can't control others. Talking down to someone, interrupting them, or stomping all over their point of view won't make anything better. Instead, the other person is more likely to dig their heels in and prepare for a fight. If you're not making any progress, sometimes the best thing to do is release control of the outcome. Instead, focus on what you can control, which is stating your opinion in a clear and concise manner without criticizing the other person.
Confrontation is difficult, and it can catch you by surprise. It's okay to feel upset and to have different opinions, but it's crucial to conduct yourself in a way that makes you proud. Don't let anyone else's attitude or opinion get you out of pocket, as you will no longer be in control. Instead, take a beat, take a breath, and choose your words carefully.
The next time you find yourself in a heated debate, remember the goal, get inquisitive, and release control. These tips may be hard to implement, but difficult things make you stronger. Share this post with a friend and practice these tips together. Remember, maintaining a healthy relationship is worth the effort. Want more on this topic? Watch the video below.