Dealing with conflict can be such a difficult situation. Arguing is never fun for anyone, and although it is easy to get sucked into, it may be best to walk away from the situation when it arises. Chances are, if you easily hold grudges you’re doing some major damage to your mental health. Here are a few tips on when to walk away from conflict, for your own good.
You won’t change the other person’s mind.
You’ve been defending your argument in the conflict for hours, yet this person still thinks they’re right. Even if you and everyone else around knows the other person is wrong, it’s best to just give it up and walk away from the conflict. Both of you know where you stand on the issue, and nothing will change, so stop sulking in the situation.
Your friendship is more important than arguing.
If a conflict comes up in your friendship, is it really worth tearing up the bond you have with your friend? Unless it was something extremely life changing, it’s probably not worth it to cut off your friend completely. Instead, cut off the argument, apologize to each other, and, if necessary, spend some time apart. Once you both feel better and are ready to put the argument behind you, do something fun together.
The conflict has been going on for too long.
How long has the conflict been lasting? Many conflicts last for days, months, even years before people decide that it’s just not worth arguing over anymore. Holding grudges over one conflict is just not worth it in the grand scheme of life. Just let it go and move on, it won’t be the end of the world.
It’s just not important enough to argue about.
Have you ever found yourself in a conflict over something minor, like arguing with your roommate over who did the dishes last? Some conflicts are unnecessary to have in your life. People will frustrate you at times, but you have to ask yourself if there is really a conflict that is so important that is must be addressed. Pick your battles, and ask yourself if it’s really worth it. If it isn’t a big deal in your perspective, best thing to do is just walk away from it.
