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"I understand where you're coming from." -

Validation is a driving factor behind most disputes. So letting the other person know they're heard can really help disarm arguments.

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"I understand where you're coming from." -

However, this doesn't mean that you agree with them or that they have changed your perspective. Think of it as defusing the situation.

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“We are allowed to have different opinions/views. We don’t need to argue about it.” -

A disarming phrase, like this one, should aim to cool things down and de-escalate the situation.

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“We are allowed to have different opinions/views. We don’t need to argue about it.” -

These words bring down the tension between the parties. It also acknowledges that a resolution isn't always required.

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"I appreciate your perspective." -

This is another way to let the other person know that you've heard and understand their perspective or point of view.

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"I appreciate your perspective." -

By saying this, you’ll also take the conversation in a different and more constructive direction.

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“We may not agree, and that’s okay.” -

People often get locked into conflict when each tries to convince the other that their viewpoint is the correct one.

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“We may not agree, and that’s okay.” -

But in many cases, that's unnecessary. Just a simple phrase like this one shows respect for the other’s perspective.

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“You have keen insight and great ideas, but now is really not a good time to have this discussion.” -

Sometimes a fight can benefit from stepping away and gaining some peace and perspective.

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“You have keen insight and great ideas, but now is really not a good time to have this discussion.” -

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.

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“I hear you.” -

Ultimately, people just want to feel like they’re being heard, whether they’re in the middle of an argument or not.

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“I hear you.” -

By saying, "I hear you," you can validate one’s opinion and calm them down before the argument escalates any further.

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"Let's agree to disagree." -

This classic statement is a great and direct way to end an argument.

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"Let's agree to disagree." -

It's also a phrase that can help reduce tension and allow both parties to feel like they’ve been heard.

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“I really appreciate you and what you have to say, but I think we should discuss this at another time.” -

This is another great phrase that demonstrates appreciation and respect towards the other person.

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“I really appreciate you and what you have to say, but I think we should discuss this at another time.” -

Plus, it also communicates that you need to cool off from one another before returning to the topic.

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“I think we both need a break to cool down.” -

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.

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“I think we both need a break to cool down.” -

These stress responses shut down our thinking brain, or the prefrontal cortex. So a break is very much needed!

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“I see your point, and yet I still feel..." -

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.

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“I see your point, and yet I still feel..." -

Replacing "but" with "and yet" is a way to help the other person still feel validated, without minimizing their perspective.

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"I value our relationship more than being right." -

Do you still love or care for the other person? If the answer is yes, then utter this caring phrase.

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"I value our relationship more than being right." -

It will remind the other individual of the importance of the relationship, instead of solely focusing on the problem at hand.

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"It seems like we've been focusing on the problem. Let's focus on finding a solution instead." -

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.

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“It seems like we've been focusing on the problem. Let's focus on finding a solution instead." -

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.

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“I value what you have to say, but arguing isn't effective communication.” -

While this phrase still shows respect, it can also remind both of you that lowered voices is a better way to communicate.

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“I value what you have to say, but arguing isn't effective communication.” -

Also, calm words, without resorting to sarcasm, are better than shouting and name-calling.

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"Can we take a break and revisit this later?" -

Sometimes you just need a time-out. This phrase can be an effective way to request just that from the conversation.

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"Can we take a break and revisit this later?" -

During an argument, it can be helpful to step back from the conversation before trying to resolve the issue or find a solution.

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“What I hear you say is… Is that correct?” -

After saying “What I hear you say is…,” you’ll repeat the other person’s point on an issue.

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“What I hear you say is… Is that correct?” -

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

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