How to Walk Away from a Fight
Keep your wits about you.
Anger, panic, fear and frustration are all emotions guaranteed to cause you to fall apart and see red rather than think clearly about what is happening. This is all the more reason why walking away is the best option in many cases, to create the distance needed to cool down. |
Create a physical distance.
The other person is likely as riled and angry or afraid as you are and this makes things volatile. By stepping back or standing away, you make the first call to not engage any further in fighting. Keep your distance––if the other person comes closer, move away again.
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Assess whether or not it'll work to talk.
Assess whether or not it'll work to talk. In many cases, the emotions are just too heightened for a discussion. However, if it seems that talking might work, throw some hooks as an invitation to talk instead of fight. For example: Say something like: "Hey buddy. I don't want this. You don't want this. Let's be reasonable and talk it out."
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Ignore the insults or negative comments
Ignore the insults or negative comments your opponent is flinging your way. This is to be expected and you should be ready for it. You might hear yourself being called a coward, weak and all manner of angry and taunting things. These are the last offenses of the angry opponent who sees a chance for a fight deflating, the last ditch efforts to rile you into returning to the fight. Recognize them for what they are and don't personalize them.
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Don't make it worse.Avoid escalating an argument. There may be principles you want to stand on, points you wish to ram home and views that you think are irrevocably right. You may think that your opponent is all wrong. But none of these beliefs are either wholly accurate or helpful to you. The important thing is avoiding a fight, not arguing petty points about the disagreement you two have.
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Stay AlertWhen trying to avoid a fight, keep eye contact and also try to keep an eye on the hands. Discuss the problem and apologize for anything you have caused, even if you're right. While attempting to defuse the situation, it is important to keep your hands in a defensible yet non-aggressive position. Moreover, prepare to defend yourself mentally just in case, as follows:
Be ready to block sucker punches to your face/body, but not in a "fighting stance"
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Watch your back.Be careful when you try to walk away. If the other person is very angry, they may simply attack you from behind. When walking away, face the person who is causing your trouble, so as to prevent them from attacking you from behind, sight unseen. Back away, keep an eye on the person and only turn to actually leave when it is safe to do so, such as in the doorway or getting into your car, etc.
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Walk away.When all else fails, turn away and leave.
Walking away from a fight doesn't determine that you're a coward (no matter how much the other person screams this); it determines that you're mature and thinking responsibly, about not just yourself but about the other person too, as well as families and friends who will be affected by the repercussions. Above all, remind yourself that the alternatives could be much worse: You could die, get crippled, or end up in jail. Remember what's important to you and how a fight could impact your life. |
Source: How to Walk Away from a Fight