The other day, I was listening as two of my colleagues were involved in a heated argument. As I sat there watching everything unfold, I wondered whether this argument would lead to any resolution. No one was willing to cede any ground and it seemed as if their egos had taken over completely. This is a very common scenario in family, social, or formal settings. There are many people who don’t know when to engage in arguments and when to let go. Making the right decision in such situations can go a long way in determining the outcome of a disagreement.
Remain Rational
The most important thing is to be as rational as possible when making your decision. If you are very upset at that moment, you are better off not engaging at all. The last thing you want is to find yourself yelling or throwing things in anger. Emotions will almost always overpower rationality.
Know Your Limits
You can’t solve every problem. If you realize your efforts to resolve an issue are not bearing fruit, you shouldn’t beat yourself up. As long as you have done everything you could, free yourself of the burden. It’s all about finding a solution. If you have to harp on any issue, the goal should be to reach an amicable resolution. If you don’t see that happening, you are better off letting it go. Dealing with someone who will never concede or at least compromise a bit will only leave you more frustrated. Also, if there’s no chance of repairing the damage that has already been done, you will gain nothing from insisting on talks.
What If They Keep Pushing?
In some situations, deciding to let go may not be entirely up to you. If the other party insists on talking, do everything you can to remain calm. It’s always tempting to say something back, but it doesn’t help. If they are physically aggressive or verbally abusive, don’t feed into their negative behavior.
Here are some more tips on letting go:
Accept That You Can’t Fix Everything
It’s always good to be realistic. Inasmuch as you want things to go a certain way, some issues are just beyond your control. Accepting this fact can save you a lot of emotional turmoil. Just know that you can only control how you feel and not how others feel.
Don’t Take Everything Too Seriously
Life is meant to be enjoyed. So, learn to take things in your stride. Be willing to laugh with yourself and at yourself. If there is nothing to be gained from engaging in a particular issue, move on. Never grow tired of seeking positivity.
Learn to Forgive
You don’t want to stay hung up on past issues. Forgiveness is a favor to yourself and not the other person. If you forgive and let go, you will be able to enjoy yourself much better.
A Note from GR8NESS
There are many factors that come into play when it comes to figuring out how to approach certain issues. At the end of the day, the main goal should be to find a solution that is good for everyone. This is a very important aspect of self-improvement. If that means letting go and not engaging, so be it.
This story originally appeared on Gr8ness.com.
