How to Manage Conflict With Good Humor

When it comes to conflict and arguments, the last thing anyone wants is for tempers to flare — though they too often do. In most cases, diversion is the key to creating a calm situation. Regardless of how things escalated, ending on a peaceful note can save face and possibly a relationship. One way to do this? Comic relief. Here are some tips on managing conflict with good humor.

Pull Out Your Playful Side

When a partner or co-worker is just gunning for a fight, it may be best to try being a little playful. Take the conversation and flip it into a playful game. This could be through questioning. Something as simple as, “I know you are, but what am I?” It’s a funny and playful game that can soon make the other person question why they were upset in the first place.

Avoid seeming like you're making light of their concern or making fun of them directly, but when the fight seems like a half-baked idea to get a rise out of you, poking a little fun can deescalate the situation while also making the other person realize they were off base.

Avoid Taking Digs at The Other Person

While cracking a joke will generally make the other person smile, be cautious about it. Avoid touching on sensitive topics or anything that may make the other person feel hurt or ashamed. The goal is to lift their spirits enough to take their minds off their anger and distraught emotional state. Don't Use words that will trigger more anger. The goal is to be light-hearted, not mean-spirited.

The end goal is to get a healthy belly laugh from everyone. Laughter is often a cure-all for negativity and sadness. It can really break up the moment, diffuse tension, and keep bad juju at bay.

Don't Use Humor to Cover Up Issues

Sometimes people use laughter, jokes and humor to cover up deep-seated issues so don't take this as permission to do that. Humor can disguise disappointment, fear, pain and anger, creating a diversion tactic — and it can crate additional tension in the relationship as serious issues get swept under the rug. So face up to what needs to be taken seriously. But when conflict arises, especially if it's minor, a little joke can go a long way.

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