[header] How to recognize when you're getting argumentative [title] Realize that there can be a blurry line between polite disagreement, and emotional argument. [step] People draw the line in different places. [substeps] The other person may be feeling more emotional, or less, about the topic or how the conversation is going. 
Don't assume they're being insensitive, uncaring, callous, or thickheaded. [title] Watch out for negative emotions in yourself--especially feelings of victimization, competition, enmity, or judging from yourself or perceived in others.