Great communication is key to any healthy relationship, whether it be personal or professional. Oftentimes, people shy away from conflict because they believe it will lead to an argument.

However, avoiding conflict altogether can be just as harmful as arguing, if not more so. However, there are ways to communicate openly and honestly without coming across as confrontational. This isn’t a lost art, but you must have a strategy prior to your next conflict. This may seem a bit over simplified, but by speaking calmly and trying to understand the other person’s point of view, you can diffuse most situations before they escalate.

Conflict resolution doesn’t have to mean yelling and screaming. In fact, most conflicts can be resolved peacefully if both parties are willing to communicate openly and honestly. Even if the other person isn’t ready to talk calmly, if you focus on your tonality you’ll see them deescalate very quickly.

So the first step is for you to remain calm. It’s imperative not to let emotions get the better of you, as this will only make the situation worse. What are things you can do to ensure you can stay calm? One strategy is to consider how important this argument really is in the scope of your life. If this doesn’t impact you in a negative way in 20 years, is it really that important? Seriously. Consider what you’re willing to get that upset over right now. It’s called perspective and most times you’ll realize it’s just basic ego that’s getting in the way.

Once you’ve calmed down, try to see the other person’s perspective. If you can understand why they believe they’re right, you’re more likely to find common ground. Remember, everyone wants to be right—but that doesn’t mean that they are. Be open-minded and consider different points of view. Only then can you truly resolve a conflict.

Open and transparent communication is essential to any relationship—personal or professional. As we mentioned avoiding conflict might seem like the easy way out, but it can actually do more harm than good. The next time you find yourself in a situation where tempers are running high, remember to focus on you and try to see things from the other person’s point of view.

With a little understanding and patience, you’ll find most arguments are opportunities to create more meaningful relationships.