I'm sure everyone reading this page has argued with a friend, before. Next time (if there is a next fight) come here before saying - or sending - anything stupid.

To stay friends with a friend, there are a few simple steps to begin with:

1. First, don't talk with her/him. Cool down.
2. Do something fun that you like to do alone. (go on the computer, play outside, read) This will help you ot relax and cool down.
3. Try not to think about your friend. Just keep focused on what you're doing. This will help prevent you from getting emotional or getting even more mad at your friend.
4. Do your best to not let out your anger on anybody or anything. This might make you less angry, but you could feel sorry for it later, so it's best not to do anything.
5. Before talking to a friend, write down your feelings, or say them aloud to yourself when no one is around. This will get you ready to talk again and you'll be letting your feelings out.

Now you've relaxed. Now is the time to talk to your friend. Most people (including me) would rather not talk straight to a friend. If you're not going to talk to them directly, you could use the internet. Remember, though, you'll eventually have to talk. The internet can get you started. Here are a few tips on what to say:

• Tell them in a short sentence what made you mad.
• Give them one reason it made you mad (again, make it short and painless.)
• Try offering a solution or just saying sorry - because, remember, you're not the only one mad.
• Give a time limit to when you'll talk (for instance, tell your friend you'll call them at a certain time)
• Finally, don't forget to be kind and go over your message. This is crucial, because you could miss pieces that might sound very angry or make your friend even more mad.

Once you've taken these steps, keep your email. Have it handy when you talk with them. If you're talking on the phone, don't recite the email, just use it as a guideline. Say things like "I'm willing to be friends if you are," and try stating your main thing that made you mad quickly. If your friend seems unforgiving, ask if they'll call you back some other time. When the time comes, if your friend doesn't call, wait about a half hour to call them. You don't want your friend to become more angry while you're waiting. If this isn't the case, and a quick conversation gets you back on track, be friendly, ask, "How was your basketball game?" Try to forget and talk about anything that won't get you back on the subject. If you feel you had something else to say once you've forgave, write it in a journal. Or use a piece of paper to write a fake letter - just don't send it. This will prevent you getting more mad and also get your last thoughts on the subject out.