Photo Courtesy of guystuffcounseling.com
Just because you love someone, doesn’t mean that you agree on everything, right? It is natural to butt heads every once and awhile because not everyone sees things the same way. No matter the relationship – mother-daughter, boyfriend-girlfriend, best friends – there are times where a conversation starts to escalate and turn into a huge fight. So I have compiled some tips to help you out and keep the peace.
- When you feel things are starting to escalate, step away…physically.
If you can remove yourself from the situation, you can take twenty minutes to think clearly about exactly what it is that you want to say and communicate to the other person. This will help just clear you head as well as make sure you don’t say something that you would later regret.
- While debating, acknowledge the other person’s point of view.
Let the other person in the conversation know that you are listening. A simple “I hear what you are saying, but I feel a little differently when it comes to…” Just letting the other know you are listening can help calm things down.
- Be aware of your own body language.
Photo Courtesy of Cosmopolitan.com
Crossing your arms and rolling your eyes can make matters even worse. Sit down facing the person so that you can look each other in the eyes.
- Talk slow and talk at your normal speaking voice.
It is easy to sound angry just by talking loudly. Take a moment to slow the conversation down and have a normal conversation.
- Apologize.
I find that once you discuss the problem thoroughly, it makes both parties feel better about the whole ordeal if you just apologize. Forgive and forget. 
Relationships are hard. Period. So stay strong and just think about what exactly is the problem. Once you take some time to slow down, the fight will turn into a discussion and keep the peace. Please let us know how you defuse a fight by commenting below!
Hayley is a junior at the University of Washington, studying communications, women's studies, and dance. She is co-captain of the UW Husky Dance Team and is active in the Miss America Organization. Hayley loves learning about the fashion industry and her and her mother's shopping motto is "if it fits us both, it's half the price!"
Hayley M. has 71 post(s) on RTR On Campus
