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Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a heated argument with a partner, friend, family member, or coworker? More common than you might imagine, arguments can quickly get out of control, and suddenly you're both steaming and slamming doors. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Before any disagreement escalates, take the opportunity to shift gears, so you can have a fruitful discussion instead.
Fortunately, there are some helpful phrases that can come to the rescue when you’re in the middle of an argument. Click on to discover them.
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a heated argument with a partner, friend, family member, or coworker? More common than you might imagine, arguments can quickly get out of control, and suddenly you're both steaming and slamming doors. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Before any disagreement escalates, take the opportunity to shift gears, so you can have a fruitful discussion instead.
Fortunately, there are some helpful phrases that can come to the rescue when you’re in the middle of an argument. Click on to discover them.
Validation is a driving factor behind most disputes. So letting the other person know they're heard can really help disarm arguments.
However, this doesn't mean that you agree with them or that they have changed your perspective. Think of it as defusing the situation.
A disarming phrase, like this one, should aim to cool things down and de-escalate the situation.
These words bring down the tension between the parties. It also acknowledges that a resolution isn't always required.
This is another way to let the other person know that you've heard and understand their perspective or point of view.
By saying this, you’ll also take the conversation in a different and more constructive direction.
People often get locked into conflict when each tries to convince the other that their viewpoint is the correct one.
But in many cases, that's unnecessary. Just a simple phrase like this one shows respect for the other’s perspective.
Sometimes a fight can benefit from stepping away and gaining some peace and perspective.
Not only does this phrase show respect for the other person, but it also provides a cooling-off period. Then, one can calmly come back to the discussion.
Ultimately, people just want to feel like they’re being heard, whether they’re in the middle of an argument or not.
By saying, "I hear you," you can validate one’s opinion and calm them down before the argument escalates any further.
This classic statement is a great and direct way to end an argument.
It's also a phrase that can help reduce tension and allow both parties to feel like they’ve been heard.
This is another great phrase that demonstrates appreciation and respect towards the other person.
Plus, it also communicates that you need to cool off from one another before returning to the topic.
Sometimes, you literally just need to request a cool-down break. During an argument, our brains can go into stress response, known as amygdala hijack. This involves the actions of fight, flight, freeze, and people-pleasing.
These stress responses shut down our thinking brain, or the prefrontal cortex. So a break is very much needed!
You might say during an argument, "I see your point, but..." However, many people feel that the word "but" negates the first part of the sentence. Especially when emotions are high.
Replacing "but" with "and yet" is a way to help the other person still feel validated, without minimizing their perspective.
Do you still love or care for the other person? If the answer is yes, then utter this caring phrase.
It will remind the other individual of the importance of the relationship, instead of solely focusing on the problem at hand.
It could be that the argument needs to shift its course a bit. Focusing too much on the problem can lead to blame, and that rarely leads to anything constructive.
However, this phrase is a way to change the direction of the conversation by looking for solutions and remembering that you have a common goal.
While this phrase still shows respect, it can also remind both of you that lowered voices is a better way to communicate.
Also, calm words, without resorting to sarcasm, are better than shouting and name-calling.
Sometimes you just need a time-out. This phrase can be an effective way to request just that from the conversation.
During an argument, it can be helpful to step back from the conversation before trying to resolve the issue or find a solution.
After saying “What I hear you say is…,” you’ll repeat the other person’s point on an issue.
Adding this phrase and their position on an issue demonstrates that you're listening, which can calm both of you down.
Sources: (Parade) (Inc.)
See also: Top tips for effective communication in the workplace
Phrases to effectively end any argument
What to say during a disagreement to defuse tension
LIFESTYLE Communication
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a heated argument with a partner, friend, family member, or coworker? More common than you might imagine, arguments can quickly get out of control, and suddenly you're both steaming and slamming doors. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Before any disagreement escalates, take the opportunity to shift gears, so you can have a fruitful discussion instead.
Fortunately, there are some helpful phrases that can come to the rescue when you’re in the middle of an argument. Click on to discover them.