Every action anyone takes has to do with maturity. No human being can live in isolation as long as you relate with people; there's a big tendency that there will be misunderstandings and, of course, it will lead to arguments.
You argue at home with your spouse, you argue with your friends, you argue with your colleagues at work, and you can argue with anyone as long as you have to come in contact with people for one reason or the other.
I don't think it is reasonable and mature enough to fight back when an argument starts. Likewise, I think it would be cowardly to walk away from the fight. There are some arguments I don't like putting my mouth to, for instance, religion-based arguments, politics, and football; if care is not taken, you will end up fighting over nothing.
The best I believe an argument should be managed is to act in a very mature manner that won't let you get into a fight or act like you're running away from the argument. People might say a lot of things, like calling you a coward, but never mind. I recently learned a lesson that you don't respond to everything people say, this keeps you away from argument.
When an argument starts, immediately you need to understand the nature of the person you're arguing with, if you notice it's someone violent, you shouldn't exchange too many words with him or her, otherwise, it may lead to an unpleasant situation for you, doing that does not mean one is backing down or running away from the fight. You're just acting responsible enough not to get into an ugly situation with an irresponsible person.
Also, for example, if you have an argument with your spouse, if it's not well managed, it may lead to a prolonged argument or frequent arguments. I think when the husband is not ready to be back down stylishly, the wife should, so as a woman that I am when my husband and I begin to argue, and I see it's become heated, I would rather keep quiet, burst into a deep cry, that makes me emotional so that I won't later regret my actions.
Also, with colleagues, it's a very sensitive thing when it comes to arguing with them because if care is not taken, it'll lead to conflicts. In all organizations, you know reasonable people and the unreasonable ones. The argument is inevitable!
I have a particular colleague in my office who is so annoying; he always argues blindly and unreasonably. As a matter of fact, he has argued with everyone, both superiors and subordinates, so he's not to be an irrational person. What I do when we have encounters is I tell him the truth and walk away; if he likes, he should hold on to the truth, and if he likes, he should continue arguing with himself. Because if I don't do that, it will lead to a big fight.
Understanding the nature of the person you're arguing with helps a lot in managing any arguments in a way that won't make it look like you're cowardly backing out or you really want to fight. However, to avoid regrets of one's action, it is better to walk away.
This post is in response to the #hivelearners writing edition on the topic: Settling an argument.
The image is sourced.