How to avoid or subvert a hostile conflict or fight

Everyone has a time in their life where they have to deal with a "problem." Depending on the situation, this can be a light hearted argument, or a hostile conflict. When it's the latter, you need to take care of it in a reasonable, calm manner. Let me take you through the steps.

1. Identify the "enemy."

Who is this person? If it's at work or school, it should be easy to find out who they are. For example, some kid who threw a rock at my car was dressed in basketball clothes, but I had no idea who he was. The next day, I looked around the halls for people wearing the basketball team attire. Now if he does anything to me, it's a simple matter of taking a look at the basketball roster.

2. Don't escalate the conflict

Never be the aggressor. This always makes things worse, and often leads to dumbass mistakes. In the best case, you can leave the problem alone and hope it never happens again.

3. Don't give your "enemy" any way to justify his actions

This is why you try not to retaliate. If he keyed your car and you punched him in the face, guess who's going to be in more trouble?

4. Appeal to your "enemy's" self interest

Tell them it would be a bad idea if they make another move. This means threatening to call the police, etc. Don't just cuss them out, say something calmly in a constructive manner. Make them worry about consequences. This works really well.

5. Gather evidence

If they do anything to you, get it on video, get witnesses, just make sure you have proof! This allows you to speed up any kind of police investigation necessary, while making the opponent worry.

6. Don't stress out

Worrying does absolutely nothing.

7. Try to make sure no one else gets involved, unless necessary

Do you really want them to go after your friends too? Depending on the situation, it may not be wise to involve your buddies.

8. Call the freaking police

If it's bad, get help.