How to Stop an Argument in 30 Seconds

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If you just don't want to get into it right now, the best course of action is to make peace or move out of the way.

Step 1: Change the subject
Change the subject before things go too far, and express your desire to drop it.

Step 2: Maintain silence
If the other person continues to argue, maintain silence, listening but not engaging, so the argument is over before it starts. Don't add fuel to the fire.

Tip
When you argue, recognize that even if you're right, there is a gap between reality and your perception.

Step 3: Keep it private
Keep things private. Don't bring in allies who support your viewpoint.

Step 4: Take a time-out
Agree to resume the conversation when cooler heads can prevail. Promise the other person you will take their point of view into account when you return to the discussion.

Step 5: Leave the room
Remove yourself. Find a neutral corner and take the time to collect your thoughts.

Step 6: Show humility
If you really want to end the argument before it starts, say you're sorry whether you think you're right or not and promise to being aware of the other person's feelings. Defuse the argument and get on with your life.

Did You Know?
Domestic violence in the U.S. costs nearly $2 billion in lost productivity and earnings each year.

[MCJasonn]

My mom is still is fucking yelling, thanks.

[HustlinSpartan]

I just get up and poop on the floor. Great way to change the topic, IMO...

[dianaw]

restraint, privacy, time-out, humility... where the fuck do i buy those??

[sweetbopeep]

no its simple you see all you need to do is carry glitter around with you and once they stop talking, dont respond. after about 5 seconds take the glitter and throw it at them. then run, run as far as you can. 100% 10/10 works every time. ur welcome

[suparcraft]

I'm watching this because my mom is going to get mad at me for not doing my homework and watching howcast. Wait what?

[youngwatergun]

How to stop an argument in under 3 seconds: Don't listen to the person.

[wizardwarrior]

Well that's not gonna work with my family. The other person always interrupts, has no humility, doesn't listen, and won't take advice ("orders") from others. :( Wish it were this easy, though.

[noodles]

There's a hidden step, get the car keys, duck tape, shovel and kitchen knife.

[THESocialJusticeWarrior]

not arguing is the key to long relationships. Not arguing is the "hard work" for maintaining relationships.

[Blankname]

"I'm sorry" <-- Yup this works 90% of the time.

[AmyWinterWalkingOnIce]

Forgiveness is not optional for me. As a Christian of course.

[Saintryn]

sean connery in a teddybear suit renders your argument invaild

[dan]

This should be called, how you should normally act in a relationship.

[Oliiiverr]

Oh no you should ALWAYS bring other people in that's how you win every argument.

[aquataerra]

If you tell the other person you'll talk about it later - DO IT. Don't deflect then hope they forget about it. Bringing it up later, even if they've forgotten shows your integrity and willingness to face the unpleasant for the sake of your friendship/relationship. If they've forgotten they'll usually brush it off and you're free. If they get angry again, it's something that you need to address anyway.

Learn this phrase to stop the shouting: "What can we do to make this better?"

[AfterShok]

Remember kids, recession was caused by domestic arguments. $2 billion.

[joshmcgraw]

loved the "optional, forgiveness".

[sammylilian]

When the person is in the middle of talking say "I'm bored" with a straight face and walk away. Or you can just say whatever and walk away

[breezy]

This is the most intense looking argument I've ever seen!

[TheCeejReturns]

Step 4 is the good one. With a cool head and willingness to listen, it ceases to be an argument and becomes more of a debate or a discourse, depending on the new goal.