It is physically impossible to have an argument with someone who listens

Whenever you have an argument, there are two people participating. Each person is pushing his or her point of view on the other, and no one is listening. Nothing is getting resolved and the cycle of conflict is escalating dramatically.

Disagreements are fine, but arguments are very destructive. You can say a harsh word in an argument that results in a divorce four years later. You can clean up what you said, but you can never take it back.

The next time you find yourself in an argument, stop and listen. Hear what the other person is saying and hear it from that person’s perspective. You don’t have to like what the person is saying and you don’t have to agree with it. All you have to do is listen.

Once the other person has his fully expressed his or her point of view, there will be an opening for you to express yours. Once each of you have said whatever you need to say, you can have a conversation about solutions.

The key to ending an argument is to listen. The key resolving disputes is to look for solutions that work for everyone. It is amazing how fast you can find solutions when you look for them.