How do you keep your cool under a tense situation?

Question

How do you keep calm when you are in an argument?
Or how do you maintain your composure under awkward circumstances?

Any suggestions?
Thank you!

Answer 1

1) I pray.
2) The key is the event but not the person.
3) If I had a choice, I would avoid being in any awkward circumstances.

Answer 2

First-never loose your temper. No matter how mad you get, never give anyone the satisfaction of showing that you are out of control. Analyse what reaction the person is trying to get from you and why they are doing or saying whatever. Arguments are a game and they can't be won. So learn the rules and play. If someone is just screaming, talk lower and lower until they have to stop shouting to hear you. If you want an argument to esculate, then name call. If you want to slow it down, then discuss situations. Example-It really upsets me when I go into the bathroom and your dirty socks are all over the floor and I have to pick them up. Would you please put them in the hamper instead of your such a lazy *ss! It goes on and on and can get to be fun. Experience is the best teacher for handling circumstances. When you totally screw up and say or do something stupid, there isn't much you can do but smile and just keep going or laugh it off. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone else knows it. Just don't get embarrassed and clam up, keep talking and be charming. There is nothing better than pointing out the obvious such as well, that was really stupid. It will all blow over.

Answer 3

Yesterday I had a situation with an employee at work. When I took her to the back office to tell her how she needed to have more patience with customers and me - she freaked out, went totally nuts on me. Didn't expect that one at all. After 14 years of managing people this really got to me. However, throughout the tantrum she threw...I tried to get a word in edgewise, but to no success, she wasn't stepping down at all. So I let her be and she left the premises. I was fuming inside as I was so angry that she was so insubordinate towards me. However, I still had to finish out my day, attending to customers and two more staff that had just started their shifts. After a quick call to the manager (I'm an assistant manager) I got my butt back out on to the floor and had to wait about four more hours before I could vent...this of course after I left work. I know I did nothing wrong, therefore, I'm not worried. After the Virginia incident though, I'm a bit freaked out because this girl is known not take her meds and she has some mental illnesses that I'm not clear about. Obviously, I saw a glimmer of that yesterday. What a freak!

Answer 4

Im a very calm person..most of the times..I dont like to argue with anyone because I dont like all the drama it brings sometimes..

When I am confronted though I just let them talk even though sometimes I'll be boiling inside because of the things they are saying..I'll either try to walk away to keep my cool or let them know Im not going to argue with them. I'd rather talk to the person when Im calm because I wouldnt want to say anything that I may regret saying later. I am very thoughtful of other people's feelings EVEN when they piss me off.

Besides, when people start arguing with you all they want to do is get you mad as well. Dont give them that opportunity to see you all worked up because they'll feel victorious!

Answer 5

If I feel tense, it's not a good time to argue. I tell the other person I'd like to discuss this later when the tension isn't to intense. Then after we both have time to cool off, we can talk without saying mean things.

Answer 6

Tell yourself over and over to calm down (if you're in an argument). Don't forget to take big breathes. If your in an awkward situation sometimes joking about it helps. Have a little laugh, if appropiate that is.

Answer 7

It's easy for me to keep my cool in a tense situation. It's like I have a shield or a buffer that I can flip on and become detatched. Afterwards is when I get pissed.

And as far as arguments go I just remember what my grandad said. "Never argue with a pig, you just get dirty and the pig likes it." So I don't argue with pigs.

Answer 8

It is so simple if you were practicing it from your childhood,,, right now what you can do is if you want to slow down an argument count form one to ten ,,, and back wards very very slowly without taking any notice as to waht the other party is heading for,,, may be later explain the fact and figures very politely.. that's my way of doing things,,,

Answer 9

take 3 controlled breaths to calm yourself breath out all the bad energy (Be subtle) count to 10, remain silent if you feel you are not in control of the situation and kill them with kindness when you have regained your composure.

Answer 10

Always remember that keeping your cool is the best way out of an argument. And keeping calm is always going to give you the best results.

Good luck.