When should someone compromise?

Arguments, conflicts, and disagreements have been inevitable events throughout human history. Arguments allow one to express their opinions, conflicts result from two or more parties failing to agree on certain issues, and simple disagreements occur almost daily. The question that all of these scenarios raise is whether one should either maintain their opinion or compromise and accept that they are wrongw—which is usually the most difficult option. No one ever wants to go through the emotions that come with choosing to wave the white flag and accept defeat. While arguments, conflicts, and disagreements have their own merits and demerits, admitting the possibility of compromise allows parties to establish pathways on which to positively move forward.

The most common form of disagreement can be found in relationships. A relationship consists of two parties bonded together, unifying their decisions and limiting independent action. This causes tension and frequent frustrations between partners, often ending in argument. There are numerous benefits to arguing while in a relationship, however. Arguing prevents the buildup of negative emotions toward one’s partner. Arguing also helps keep cortisol in check, a hormone that accompanies stress, inhibits bone formation, increases blood sugar, and suppresses the immune system. Married couples who avoid confrontation throughout their relationship also tend to have shorter life expectancies in comparison to couples who argue. Arguments also help improve feelings of intimacy and can add spice to a relationship.

However, not every argument is worth having. Debating various points tests the horizons of one’s reasoning and pushes the brain to think harder, but having an argument is just as much about listening as it is speaking. Compromise, in my opinion, should be considered when one becomes overwhelmed by the other party’s facts and experience. Having had practical contact and firsthand experience in any situation tends to give one the upper hand, but it becomes an added advantage when debating.

My belief is that everyone has been in a situation where an argument between themselves and their parent or guardian turned into a life-lesson lecture and they became so angry afterward that they forgot what the argument was even about. In this parent-child context, the parent or guardian is always more experienced, but as youths we tend not to understand that they have also been in the same shoes. When arguing with one’s parent or guardian, let them set the pace and try to reason with each other calmly. This is where compromise and understanding come in.

Compromise is an agreement to settle a dispute by mutual concession. It has built nations, settled conflicts, and allowed people to come together as one. Arguments are not always about who is right or wrong but rather can be avenues of debate and roads that lead to greater resolutions. Allowing oneself to compromise with a more knowledgeable party ensures that the platform for discussion will be maintained. In short, arguments lead to understanding, compromise, and cooperation.