Human emotions are complicated to comprehend. Feelings of joy when something makes you feel happy or feelings of sadness when something makes you feel down are some examples of basic emotions. However, the most impactful emotion we can feel is anger. Feeling hurt after a conflict leads to arguments, and in the end, fights. Even without the intent to harm, words play a powerful role in affecting people and can ultimately lead to irreversible consequences.
In order to avoid this situation, I recommend you first talk about the situation you are in. Just as words have the power to cause negative emotions, they can also play a major role in compromise. Misunderstandings lead to detrimental effects, which can be avoided through resolving the problem.
To add on, try to communicate about both sides of the problem with one another before resorting to regrettable choices. Some arguments can be talked about and resolved without turning to drastic measures. Discussing both sides of the argument and listening to one another can help lead to a peaceful compromise and conclusion.
As a precaution, I would recommend not bringing another person to the argument when the conflict first starts. Bringing more people into a conflict causes the situation to escalate quickly with feelings of being targeted, provoking more problems in friend groups. Basically, forcing your friends to choose sides in an argument can lead to greater conflict, causing relations to be strained.
If the person is unwilling to talk it out, then I recommend walking away from the argument. It may seem like a cowardly way of escaping a problem but sometimes, people simply need time to cool down. Also, this approach doesn’t escalate the argument, and you wouldn’t have to fight against the people you genuinely care about.
If the situation still simmers, ask for outside help on the situation. Sometimes, seeking an outside or third-party perspective can help you see an alternative that you couldn’t see due to your anger or other strong emotions. Don’t bring them into the argument but discuss with them options that you could take that could de-escalate the situation.
Arguments are inevitable among people, young and old, because we are human. Our emotions can’t always be controlled, and arguments are a fact of life. However, through changing our mindset and careful communication, arguments don’t have to have detrimental effects. Relationships with friends don’t have to fall apart. Slowly, we can change to help preserve the friendships that mean the most to us. All we have to do is think before we act.