When do you feel a discussion has turned into an argument? What are the key points you notice?

[Anonymous]

[OlderAndWiser]

It is an argument when

1. you can feel that the other person is angry,

2. when you feel angry,

3. when statements are being repeated,

4. when there are ad hominem attacks,

5. when unrelated confliicts from the past are brought into the conversation,

6. when one of you starts tell the other to "STFU" or words to that effect,

7. when one of you feels he need or desire to back away from the conversation,

8. when one of you wants to find make a comment solely for the purpose of getting the other one angry.

It's an argument when you have at least a few of these factors present.

[Asker]

Sir, I think you opened up the legal book! I mean, I cannot think of any other reason here. This is more than a guidance.

We can predict unhealthy arguments with this list for sure.

[OlderAndWiser]

Glad to offer some assistance!

[clampfan101]

Also constantly interrupting.

[OlderAndWiser]

Thanks for MHO!

[Andres77]

insults

[Asker]

If I may ask, in what ways has anyone tried to insult you here, or anywhere in real life too?

[Andres77]

Politically motivated. Some people, if you disagree with them threaten and curse and send me to hell if they could…

[Asker]

You are my friend today, then my enemy tomorrow and then my friend again the day after tomorrow. This is politics.

Where the politicians do not take the insults from each other personally, their supporters should also not. In fact they do not even have any major reason or obligation to take this personally.

I don't understand such people myself. They behave as if they are the priority recipient for prizes if a certain politician gets elected or something.

[Slingblade1126]

Usually when they put the word "you" before their next statement/sentence. I mean in the case of a discussion about something you don't agree on.

[NathanDavis]

body posture and gestures are the first hints...

could be as simple as a full switch on body posture, or as subtle as a little raise on one or both eyebrows... lmao

[dustybiker]

It’s louder.

[Asker]

Can't being a bit loud simply be a personality for some people?

[dustybiker]

You can feel tension.

[Jamie05rhs]

This happens when someone gets mad.