Learn to recognize the patterns in a conversation and anticipate where it is headed.
Have we been here before and does it sound/feel similar? If so, how did it end before?
Like a bad movie sequel, the same storyline generally plays out with a worse ending.
If it’s heading down a bad path with an argument almost assured to be involved, disengage, or find an alternative path.
Do not put fuel on the fire.
Oftentimes, our ego can get in the way of solving the conflict by needing to be right. It’s okay to lose a battle if it means we never go to war.
The only way to change our thinking is to remove our ego and figure out the best way forward, even if that means it is not in our best interest at the time.