Conflict, let's face it, you're going to have some sooner or later. It's human instinct to create conflict. There will always be something you don't agree with, something you can't be quiet about or something that bothers you greatly.
Conflict will never, EVER die.
But anyways, conflict leads to arguments. When one party disagrees with another party (or more) about a subject at point, arguments start. There are things you should say, and things you should NEVER, EVER say.
This is a guide on what not do to during an argument.
Now there's going to be a "system" on each step. Here's a guide on what means what.
#x. (The number of the step)
There will be one or more quotes as an example of the step
This is where the step is described.
So let's get on with this..
#1: Ad HominemI think the audience should be persuaded against your lack of intelligence, sir.
Arguments tend to get bitter. Once you come to terms with insulting, it's common knowledge that somebody's bound to say something hurtful and irrelevant to the argument. This isn't what I'm talking about.
Ad Hominem is short is instead of providing solid and constructive points to the argument, you downright insult the opposing party. This makes you look petty and unintelligent, and in turn makes people stop agreeing with you. If you have nothing relevant to say, don't say anything at all.
#2: Don't re-start finished argumentsHey guys, I know it was resolved last week, but I think we should really continue discussing about Pete's ugly-ass dog.
Arguments get resolved eventually so another one may come in terms for later. When the argument is resolved, there is no reason to continue arguing. When somebody wins the argument, they won. You were proven wrong, and there's absolutely nothing else to be said.
When you re-start (or attempt to, anyways) an argument, it looks like you're desperate for either conflict, or you're a sore loser. When the argument isn't going to resolve anything more, it's entirely void and in turn makes all arguing parties look bad.
#3. No matter what, stay relevant to the argumentLook, I know we're talking about your smelly wig, but I think your children are quite annoying.
Everyone loves a good old-fashioned argument, no matter the person. As long as it has that good drama toasty-flavor to it, and a mix of lies and suspense, things are bound to get a little wacky.
Now, conflicts tend to turn into other things over time. Even if they do, it's always good to stick to the relevant points. Eventually, you're going to lose favor over the community if you don't even know what you're going to say next.
#4. Do not lieI think you people should agree with me because I'm an astronaut.
Even the most petty arguments need truth. If you're going to disagree and try to prove somebody wrong, at least try to get your facts straight. Unless the argument is about how truthful you are, lying is only going to get you scolded.
Again, unless you have anything constructive to add, there's no reason to add anything at all.
#5. Don't try to change the subjectWhat about his goofy shoes? That's more important than me breaking your television!
Arguments shouldn't be messed with. It gets really, really ugly. Trust me. Now, sometimes people think that matters are more important than others during an argument, and sometimes people even try to throw red herrings just to be able to back out of the loser's circle.
Let's face it, attempting to change the subject is a bad move. It makes you look like a huge coward. Nobody respects a coward these days.
#6. Don't be a sore loserI should have gotten the money! It should have been me!
In order for an argument to be won, there has to be a loser. Losing is tough, it means you were wrong or weak, and even both sometimes. Anyone can agree losing's not fun.
Although, no matter how bad it feels, being a sore loser is worse. Sometimes you just
have to give up.
#7. Don't drag out argumentsGuys, keep discussing on the previous thing, it's too soon to talk about the owed money!
Arguments can last however long every party has the attention span to last. They can last five minute, or five years. Sometimes it takes the better man to end it quickly and painlessly before it gets out of hand.
But people, dragging out arguments is just not smart. Why would you even want to argue longer than you already are? You want results, and you want to win. You can't win until you get results, and results only happen when the argument is finished. Dragging it out is only going to up the date of the results.
#8. Man up!Stop saying mean things about me!!
I mean it, grow up and mature before even thinking about arguing. If you can't have a good fight without crying, you're doing it correctly. Nobody's going to feel sorry for the little crybaby that isn't getting his way.
So here's a point of advice, if you're not going to be mature about it, you should just walk away and cry it out in some corner. Are you wrong? Then accept the fact that you're not perfect and tough it out. Somebody call you a mean name? They're just words and the affect you in no way possible.
#9. Bribing is not a smart moveIf you agree with me and my family, I'll give you money.
You're going to lose if you can't stand up for yourself. Bribing equals not standing up for yourself. If you can't argue without somebody keeping your argument upright, you don't deserve to win.
Keep your things to yourself, and let the community decide if you're right or a good enough person to support. And finally,
#10. Don't insult the other party's supporters for supporting themYou're stupid for liking him, and you should just go back home and sit under your covers!
It's their choice, let them choose what they want. If you want support that badly, then earn it. Like before, unless you get a spine, you won't be able to win.
Also, attacking somebody for not agreeing with you also counts as being a coward.
So that's all ten steps. If you're still having trouble, you need to re-educate yourself.
