How to Protect Yourself During a Dispute

Today, I learned that a guy I went to high school with passed away after being shot in the abdomen due to a dispute that took place in a local shopping center. For me, this news came as a shock. The deceased was a very nice person and never bothered anyone, to my knowledge. So, what went wrong? I, of course, was not there to witness this exact dispute and the shooter is still at large. I had to wonder to myself, however... what can one do to protect them self in a dispute? Here are some tips on how to handle this situation.

Walk Away From the Situation

It doesn't matter if the person stole five bucks from you or hit on your girlfriend; you never know when someone may have a gun. As scary as it may be to think this way, it is something that you always need to take into consideration - especially when you do not know the person that you are in a dispute with. The smartest thing that you can do is simply walk away from the situation; no matter what it is, it cannot be worth your life.

Don't Intentionally Egg Someone On

Some people just love aggravating others. As much as you may want to, however, it is best to avoid doing so when there is a major argument going on between the two of you. Do not bring up ex-wives or husbands, and especially avoid talking about kids or parents. It is one thing to argue with someone, but it is quite another thing to intentionally try to piss them off.

Pay Attention to the Person's Emotions

Does the person that you are arguing with seem more distraught, angry, or saddened than usual? If so, there is a chance that this person may act irrationally. When they are not acting like them self, there is a possibility that they may end up using some type of weapon on you, whether it be a knife, gun, or even a taser. If the person that you are having a dispute does not seem at all like them self, it is important to leave them alone and then get help; you never know when they might hurt them self or others.

Listen to What the Person Tells You to Do