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. You will need: Restraint(克制), Privacy, A time-out(暂停), A neutral(中立的) corner, Humility(谦卑). Optional(可选): Forgiveness.
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(燃油) to the fire .
Tip: When you argue, recognize that even if you’re right, there is a gap between reality and your perception(看法).
Step 3: Keep it private
Keep things private. Don’t bring in allies(同盟者) who support your viewpoint(观点).
Step 4: Take a time-out
Agree to resume(重新开始) the conversation when cooler heads can prevail(占主导). 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(考虑) the other person’s feelings. Defuse(拆除) the argument and get on with your life.
Did you know? Domestic violence(家庭暴力) in the U.S. costs nearly $2 billion in lost productivity(生产力) and earnings each year.