What do you do/would you do if you were in a verbal argument and your partner said, I need to leave, rather than continue arguing?

[Anonymous]

I'm NOT talking about leaving for good or breaking up, I mean just leave to cool off, walk around, come back later...

I'd let them leave, better they cool off, and I cool off, and then we can come back to it later

I wouldn't let them leave, I feel it's more mature to keep arguing and/or trying to work it out

I'd tell them, you stay here, I'm leaving

I don't think either of us should leave, but just stop arguing and cool off in the same space

[SamA_nold]

If your partner is openly telling you that they need to leave to collect themselves, they are giving you the warning that they are in danger of saying something they will regret, or of acting aggressively (maybe physically). Let them leave (unless you are actively worried they might hurt someone or themselves), and you take time to collect yourself as well. Also, maybe later on express your appreciation for the open communication (positive reinforcement).

People will scream at each other, which is something we can't really help all the time, but the healthiest and safest way to solve disputes is when both parties are calm and able to speak to each other in level, rational tones. If you need to step away to get yourself to that point, good on you.

[TheSpaceGnome]

I'd break up, because people who argue that intensely should not be friends, let alone a couple.

[NostalgiaSenpi]

Let them leave. It's better to cool off and talk amicably than it is to blow up.