Utilizing Metacommunication to Diffuse an Argument

Metacommunication literally means communication about communication. For example: If you were to ask someone, "What did you mean by that comment?" That question would be communication about communication.
Some arguments start out as simple disagreements and then turn into a competition to see who has the last word. In such cases nothing is accomplished by the argument. To get to a place where there can be a compromise or an understanding simply stop and ask yourself and your partner, "Why are we arguing?" Once you re-establish the problem take a deep breath. Continue asking your partner questions like, "How does/did that make you feel, what were you thinking when I said/did this," and so on. Eventually you and your partner will reach an understanding of where the other is coming from and then you can make a compromise.