“The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.” ~ Dale Carnegie
Why?
Having talked previously about the value of living in peace without being a doormat, it would seem clear that we’re not keen on confrontation. However, confronting someone over behaviour that you don’t agree with is different to arguing for the sake of it. You’ve met the person who just seems to disagree for the sake of disagreeing? It’s not cool to be that person 
What?
Have the courage of your convictions. Speak up where you see injustice. But pick your battles. You don’t have to win all the battles in life in order to win the war. You can let some stuff go in order to avoid an argument. The trick is knowing when to speak up and when to hold your tongue.
How?
On a practical note, it’s always best to take a deep breath, take time to think about what, if anything, you need to say. Treat others as you would like to be treated and always, always keep a civil tongue in your head 
Twitter: ryanhanzel
I think taking a deep breath is the most important factor in avoiding an argument. Many times if I act on impulse with an outburst I will dive right into a argument but if I take the time to actually think about everything. It usually leads to something better.
.-= Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Being an army wife… =-.
Twitter: GiveABrick
Ryan,
I was all poised to agree with you and then I got side tracked by the link to your latest post. It’s beautiful
But I do also want to agree with you. When we get cross, it’s important to take a moment to compose our thoughts rather than just reacting in an impulsive way.
Thanks for stopping by and as I said over at your place, all the best to your wife
I think it depends what sort of ‘angry’ I become. Sometimes, when I just react, it’s probably the most beautiful argument/comeback/action/solution available to me. Others, it doesn’t get to that level until I’ve had the day to think about it. Sometimes its just not worth the effort really!
Picking your battles is a must, and the deep breath thing does work really well almost all the time. If someone’s threatening something really important to you right in front of you though (as an example) its time to step up then and there.
Hope that made some sort of sense lol.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Site Changes =-.
Twitter: ralphcarlson
I like Heather’s point about deciding when things are important. Many times I have the urge to correct somebodies misinformation. I know that they are wrong and I am right but it I correct them they will argue and it is all about nothing important except our egos. Unless the point is critical and leaving it uncorrected would damage someone I care about or me, I let them enjoy their ignorance un-challenged. In other words, I try not to create arguments that aren’t necessary.
.-= Ralph´s last blog ..About Asking and Howard Roark =-.
Twitter: Bigredtomato
I always refer to battles and wars. You don’t have to win every battle to win the war.
.-= Matthew Needham´s last blog ..Wednesday Wisdom =-.
I always say that civility costs nothing! There are ways of getting your point across or correcting someone without wading into a full blown argument.
I have found over the years that if someone confronts me in an aggressive way just smiling at them can often defuse any confrontation before it gets started.
Magssno´s last [type] ..Black & Decker LM175 Electric Mower