Top 10 Ways to Calm Someone Down When They are Angry

 

It just so happens that you are minding your own business when the people around you suddenly get into an argument.
The argument finally dies down, and the person you know needs consoling or venting.

Here's how you can handle the situation and calm down someone when they are angry or upset.

1) Just listen

The person just wants to vent. The best thing to do in this case is to keep your words limited and simply listen without interruption.

2) Make Eye Contact

The person could be giving their side of the story, and if they see you looking elsewhere, they might assume that you don't agree with them.
So make sure you keep eye contact with the person you're trying to console.

3) Offer comfort if the person is upset

A tap on the hand or a pat on the back can show that you care. If the person is too distraught, you can try giving them a hug, but don't force it.

4) Be understanding

Positive affirmations can go a long way in calming down a person. Tell them you understand what they are going through, but don't add your own experience to it until you are sure it is going to help them.

5) Don't give your opinion about the situation

It is better not to get involved just yet. The worst thing you can do it tell the person they are at fault or that they should have completed a task earlier if that is what has caused an argument.

Sometimes even agreeing with the upset person can backfire if the person they argued with is a loved one and they feel they are the only ones who can criticise them but will not bear if anyone else says something.
It's better to stay neutral.

6) Take the irate person out of that place.

If the argument is escalating, and if you absolutely feel like you should get involved or you can help, take the person you're close to and walk away.
A change of scenery can help calm a person, even if it is to another room.

7) Don't tell them to calm down or that it will be fine.

When a person goes on a rant, the worst thing you can do is tell them to calm down. No one wants to feel like they are being unreasonable, and you have pretty much said that to them. If they are seething, then they probably believe they have every reason to be angry and say "Calm down", which is almost as good as saying they shouldn't be getting angry.
Similarly, saying "it will be fine" doesn't necessarily have a positive effect.

You don't know if it will be fine, and the upset person is going to feel like you don't understand the situation or make light of the situation.

8) Distract them

Sometimes, distraction works as the best remedy. When you see an opening, change the topic or share a funny incident that you saw or experienced.
If you're lucky, they will laugh and move on from the troublesome situation.

9) Just breathe

When someone is really angry, try to calm them down by telling them to take deep breaths. Breathe with them and continue doing so until they have calmed down.

10) Learn to walk away if you feel you are being pulled in.

If you walked into a full-fledge argument, make some excuses and leave. You may be forced into choosing sides or agreeing with things you don't want to and spoil your own relationship with the people involved.

Additionally, things could be getting violent and you don't want to get punched.

Back away, and call for help instead if you see the situation is getting dangerous.