Life Lessons - Trying to Win an Argument? Honey, You Both Already Lost!

First things first:

If you ask a question, and the response is only going to be "Yes." Or "No.", don't get mad if it isn't the answer you wanted. Be grateful the person even answered the question and just accept their answer.

If trying to win an argument:

Try to stop. This isn't a competition—to see who can win this, who can have the last laugh. All you're doing is wasting your energy. Why not instead just try to diffuse the situation. So, they're not listening to you. Fine. Try to make them hear you in a different way. If you're trying to get your way and it isn't working, don't muddle the situation more by getting angry. Try to calm down and perhaps see THEIR point of view.

If the situations turns into a 1-Up match, pump the brakes. You're both in the wrong, because you're both acting like dicks. And if you actually call the person out on it, be aware of your own idiocy. No one is making the situation any better; it's just turned into a useless boxing match that's going to leave the both of you feeling and looking dumb as hell. It might culminate to where you both realize it too late, have to swallow your bitter pride, and apologize. Between the arguing and admittance, things might have gotten worse! While it sucks having to admit you're wrong, it's also relieving to know that you're trying to rectify the situation. Hopefully, the other person involved will accept your apology and also offer one of their own.

Point Blank: Why even waste your energy on arguing, hon? Be able to identify when things are getting out of hand, put a stopper in it, and just accept the answer that maybe got you a little upset in the first place. Yes, you may get defensive and that causes you to fire back. But don't get so defensive you go offensive, turning what was a simple Q&A to a battle of "You're not winning this." Be respectful of their answer. But make it known that you want to be respected as well.