Whether the fight falls on you, or you provoked it, learning to walk away from it is among the most mature and responsible things you can do in your life. It won't be the easiest thing to do though, and you'll need to keep your eyes peeled even once you're gone. However, running away ultimately ensures that you don't make the situation worse than it already is.
Steps
Step 1. Always stay in control
Anger, panic, fear and frustration are all emotions that are sure to make you collapse and go on a rampage, not allowing you to rationalize what is happening around you. Reason why getting away from a fight, at a distance that allows you to rearrange your ideas, is often the best choice.
It is highly recommended to learn to recognize and avoid those situations that invariably lead to quarrels. So watch out for various warning signs, such as increased tension, the presence of alcohol, the late hour of the night or the presence of a person already upset because of someone or something, and stay away. Try to calm the waters as soon as they tend to churn
Step 2. Create a physical distance
The other person is likely just as annoyed and angry or scared as you are, which tends to get the situation out of hand. Taking a step back, or at least staying a few meters away, shows a clear sign that you have no interest in starting any fight. Maintain this distance - if the other person approaches, move further.
Step 3. Evaluate if the dialogue might work or not
In many cases, spirits are too high to start a discussion. However, if you feel like you can settle everything in words, try inviting the other person to talk instead of arguing. For example, say something like: “Hey man, I don't want to fight. You don't want it either. Let's be reasonable and let's talk about it”.
- This may not be a good time to explore the other person's deepest, darkest reasons, but it's a good time to acknowledge their anger or frustration and to show that you are paying full attention to their grievances.
- Avoid making accusations, saying things like "it's all your fault", "you're a coward" or "you think with your fist, not your brain." Comments of this kind will only serve to inflame the situation.
Step 4. Ignore any insults or negative comments the other party throws at you
It is likely to happen and you need to be ready. They can call you cowardly, weak, and other nastiness or teasing of all kinds and sorts. It is the last desperate attempt by the opponent who, still angry, sees the opportunity to rekindle a quarrel now subsided, the last move to make you angry thus returning to fight. Recognize those words for what they are and don't take it personally.
You may sometimes hear some teasing towards some members of your family or other people you care about. Again, let what comes in one ear and out the other. Your opponent is trying every tactic and nobody's dignity is being harmed just because a person allows himself to say such nonsense. Don't take it as a matter of pride - take it for what it is, the provocation of an idiot
Step 5. Avoid escalating a discussion
There may be principles you want to stick to, issues you want to make absolutely obvious, and points of view that you feel are unequivocally right. You may think your opponent is totally wrong. But none of these beliefs are entirely correct, nor can they be of any use to you. The important thing is to avoid the quarrel, setting aside the insignificant controversies among you.
- Don't insult the other person or get mad at them. Stay calm and do your best to convince her that getting into violence is a bad idea.
- If necessary, acknowledge the other person that you have a valid reason for their behavior, even if you are apparently on the side of reason. The reasons and wrongs of the matter can be unraveled later, once everyone has calmed down.
Step 6. When trying to avoid a fight, keep eye contact and try to pay attention to your hands
Talk about the problems you are experiencing and apologize for whatever you may have caused, even if the reason is on your side. It is important, while trying to calm the waters, that you keep your hands in a defensive but not aggressive position. Also, mentally prepare yourself for the eventuality of having to defend yourself as follows:
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Be prepared to block unexpected punches to the face or body, without putting yourself in "fighting stance".
- Adopt a "prayer position" with both palms together, which at first glance does not seem threatening, but allows you to protect your face with your hands.
- Use the "vade retro" position, trying to keep the attacker's hands outward.
- Also take advantage of the “I'm thinking” position, with one hand on the chin or head. Remember: try to be natural while doing it, always staying protected.
Walk Away from a Fight Step 7 Step 7. When all is useless, turn around and walk away
Remember there is no shame in running away - you did your best. Running away from a fight does not prove that you are a coward (no matter how much the other person yells at you); instead it shows that you are a mature person who knows how to think responsibly, not only about yourself but also about the people who would suffer the consequences, such as your family and friends. Above all, remember that the alternatives can be far worse: you could risk your life, be seriously injured or go to jail. Think about what's important to you and the impact a fight could have on your life.
Walk Away from a Fight Step 8 Step 8. Be careful when trying to leave
If the other person is particularly angry, they may decide to attack you from behind. Therefore, step back away, keeping an eye on the person who is causing you problems to prevent them from taking you by surprise, and only turn around when you are in a safe place, for example near your house or car.
Take a quick look around and, as you try to calm down, look for potential escape routes
Advice
- If it happens to you at school, just walk away. If you are driving, continue on your way without caring. Forget those discussions that will only lead to trouble in the future. It is not worth holding a grudge. You only live once, so do your best and don't waste time doing what you don't need to do.
- Do not rely on morality in trying to calm the waters. For example, saying something like "I have better things to do than punching in the street" or "fighting is so childish" can cause the attacker to prove otherwise. He will do his best to show everyone that he is better than you. Walking away will give you the certainty that a fight won't solve any problems. Some arguments may start because you hang out with a person someone doesn't like, and they'll be angry with you; don't let anyone stop you from doing it. It's just another way to try to "win" the battle by making yourself look better (but in a superb and irritating way); your goal is not to win, but not to be part of the fight, at any cost.
- For people unfamiliar with adrenaline blasts, getting away is next to impossible. They may succeed if the situation prompts them to use violence. However, this is not necessary. Preventing the fight is what will make you a winner. People who have a regular and peaceful flow of adrenaline have more control of themselves in stressful situations. Regardless, try to keep a calm and balanced mind, don't let yourself be hurt in any way by words. Whatever is said against you, ignore it. You know what is true and what is not. If situations like this are upsetting you, it's time to learn some self-control techniques, and quickly. You can find help thanks to a cycle of consultations, which over a period of time will nullify the fears that are now ingrained. Try as hard as possible not to react to whatever is said. Act like you can't even hear what they're saying. Be superior.
- If you are already involved in a fight, use the palm of your hand to hit the so-called "cupid's bow", which is the slight furrow between the nose and upper lip. Be careful, this is an extremely dangerous move that should only be used in situations of great danger, not in school settings.
- In a truly dangerous situation, the most important thing is to put your ego aside. Tell your opponent what he wants to hear.
- Ignore the person you got into a fight with unless they're your best friend. In this case, settle things in words.
- Call the police if you find the situation becoming particularly violent.
Warnings
- In some situations, a person may provoke you in some way. But, once again, be superior and ignore it.
- Always keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with refusing to fight. Even if you are among the people, the speech does not change. Being teased is not something to put your hands up for. Remember this when you find yourself in a similar situation. Also, you have to be much more mature to choose not to participate in a fight, and remember: "War does not make you stronger".
- Of course, if possible, do not hesitate to alert those in charge to report the danger.
- Fighting is not a game and must not be a way of resolving insignificant conflicts. There can be serious legal and physical consequences. The worst thing that could happen in a fight is that someone gets killed.
- When you walk away, don't turn your back on your enemy. It would make it easy to be ambushed. Walk alongside a wall and keep the situation under control by heading towards a crowd. Pay attention to any obstacles as if you fall you risk being attacked.
- There are no rules or referees on the street, and the person who dies could be you.
- Sometimes the person who wants to confront you has nothing else in mind and will do it anyway. The best choice is still to try to get away, but if the person turns out to be a threat, and you can't escape, you must try to defend yourself. Usually the first blow can be the strongest and could take the attacker by surprise. Another, immediately following, can quickly end the quarrel, if given at the right time and in the right way.
