The secret to winning an argument that can potentially damage a long-term relationship, is letting go of the need to win the argument.
Don’t argue to win, argue to make progress.
No long-term relationship benefits from ‘winning’ an argument. Even if you reach the point of complete victory, you’ll leave a bruised ego behind – which will eventually backfire one way or another.
Listen to your counterpart, repeat back what they just said to make sure you understood their point of view, and only then give your perspective.
If possible, argue in private. It gives your counterpart the chance to keep their ego and ‘feeling of importance’ intact.
The one way to win an argument within a long-term relationship, is to aim for mutual understanding, not for victory.
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