I wouldn't say I'm a fan of arguments, but I’ve found myself engaging in them quite a lot. Arguments can be healthy, but they can also be unhealthy.
From my experiences, I’ve realized that some people love to argue just to justify their actions or prove they’re right.
Let me share one of my experiences with you.In my room at school, we often found ourselves arguing about music and football. On one particular day, two of my friends were discussing and arguing about different musical artists, and as usual, insults started flying. We didn’t even realize when it got heated and almost led to a physical altercation. The argument started when one of them claimed Burna Boy was the only Nigerian to have ever won a Grammy award. The other guy disagreed, saying there was a woman, Sade Adu, who had won a Grammy before Burna Boy. The first guy accused him of lying, so they both agreed to check Google. When they did, they found out that Sade Adu was indeed the first Nigerian to win a Grammy. Even with this proof, the argument continued. The first guy tried to justify himself by saying that because Sade Adu is mixed race and not based in Nigeria, she shouldn’t be considered the first Nigerian Grammy winner. This back and forth eventually led to a fight, and we had to step in to prevent things from getting out of hand. We knew that if they were caught, there would be serious consequences.
Arguing with certain people can be draining and a waste of energy, especially when they refuse to see your point or admit they’re wrong.
On the other hand, arguments can be healthy and educational.
When people come together to discuss different topics, like what they were taught in class, they can find solutions to their problems and everyone gets a chance to learn something new. Engaging in debates also allows for exposure to certain informations and allows for improved knowledge.
To avoid unhealthy arguments that could lead to fights or get me into trouble, I’ve developed a technique. When I notice that the person I’m discussing with is raising their voice, using a harsh tone, or showing negative body language, I try to remove myself from the situation. This way, I can avoid unnecessary conflict.
Another important thing I have learned is the value of staying calm and respectful during arguments. Even if the other person is getting triggered or been defensive , keeping your composure can sometimes prevent the situation from escalating and getting out of hand. It also helps you avoid saying something you might regret later. I am this kind of person that tends to get angry easily and my anger can be out of control, so when i find myself in situations or arguements that may trigger me I just make sure to stay calm and not talk anymore.
Finally, i have come to realize that not every argument is worth having. Sometimes, it’s better to just let minor disagreements slide, especially if the topic isn’t particularly important or if the person you’re arguing with is unlikely to change their mind. Doing this would help you make use of time for important things and will also help you save alot of energy.
