9 Effective Ways to Stop an Argument

Humility, sometimes you have to eat some humble-pie, especially when you’re wrong. This helps to put out the tension of the argument and prevent it from flaming up again.

Logic, explain calmly and clearly why you are arguing about something. Many times the other person doesn’t even really know what’s bothering you.

Persistence, this one is probably favoured amongst parents. Keep repeating your point until the other person gives up.

Feign agreement, this can be used when arguing with someone that is behaving very irrationally or childish. Simply agree with everything they say (doesn’t mean you have to really agree). Works like a bomb and gets them to keep quiet and walk away. Very hard to do though!

Empathy, very often goes along with humility. Put your own thoughts aside for a moment and find out what the other person’s true viewpoints are. Arguments get worse when people feel that they’re not being listened to.

Mediator, have a neutral unbiased third party facilitate a meaningful exchange of viewpoints. This helps so that all sides of the argument can be heard without interruptions.

Use sources, this is vital when you get involved in a very technical argument. Use several sources to back-up your facts. Normally, the person that can argue with better facts, wins the argument.

Calm, do your best to stay calm even when you feel like exploding. Take a few deep breaths and relax. People normally match each other’s moods when arguing. Staying calm yourself will eventually calm the other person down.

Honesty, never try to solve an argument with a lie. Lying could solve the argument in the short-term, but once discovered, could cause an even worse argument later on. Speaking truthfully will earn you the respect of those you argue with and with witnesses.