Knowing When and How to Turn the Other Cheek

• 1). Ask yourself what you will achieve by reacting in haste to an aggressive act or angry words. Decide what matters to you most: being seen to respond in a predictable way, or showing the strength to behave in a different manner. Avoid responding in a particular way because you have been influenced to do so by your peer group or the media. Just because others are acting a certain way does not mean it is the best way to act.
  
  
• 2). Explore alternative ways of dealing with a dispute. Going with your instant reaction is not always the best response. Sometimes the surprise of getting a dignified rather than an angry response can make an aggressor think in a different way about his or her actions. Attempt to discuss disputes calmly. In some cases, lowering your voice is enough to de-escalate a dispute.
  
  
• 3). Analyze the concepts of strengths and weakness. Walking away can sometimes be the stronger response. Countering aggression with more aggression, while it may be the easier thing to do, almost always spells an escalation of the fight. Ask yourself if a fight, verbal or physical, is the desired outcome and be honest with yourself.