Conflicts can escalate when both parties are yelling at each other. By speaking in a slow, cool voice, you can help the other person feel at ease. Even if the other person raises their voice, keep yours low and calm. Avoid telling the other person to "calm down." This can make them feel angrier and more defensive. Instead, ask them what can be done to help the situation. For example, you can say, "I understand that you're upset about your broken window. Why don't we discuss what can be done in a way that is fair to everyone." An apology can go a long way to solving tension. You might not feel as though you have done anything wrong, but you should consider how you might have offended the other person. A good apology will include what you did wrong as well as what you will do to make it up. You can say, "I'm really sorry for insulting you. I did not realize that what I said was hurtful, and I understand now that it was a really stupid thing to do. I hope that you can forgive me." If someone is accusing you of something you did not do, don't take the blame. You can deflect the accusation by sympathizing with the other person. For example, you can say, "I'm sorry that your lunch keeps disappearing from the office fridge, but I'm not the one who is taking it." Active listening is a form of communication where you repeat or paraphrase what the other person is saying to you. Ask the other person about their feelings or version of events. Listen without interrupting. Afterwards, rephrase what they said. For example, you can say, "I understand that you're upset. You're right. I spilled a drink on you, and now you're worried that your dress is ruined." If the other person seems defensive, you can ask questions that will elicit the answer "yes" from them. This may help them feel less defensive. For example, you can say, "You are saying that you think this situation is unfair, is that right?" Sometimes, a solution will not be found. In this case, you might just have to let go of the problem. If it will not affect your daily life, let the issue drop. You and the other person might just have to come to terms with the fact that no one will win the argument. You can say, "I understand your point of view, but I do not agree with it. I think we will just have to move on. I still respect you as a person, and I hope that this does not get in the way of our relationship."

Summary: Use a calm voice. Apologize. Practice active listening. Agree to disagree.

If you have an electrical fire that has started in an appliance that plugs in, such as a toaster, you should immediately unplug it. Make sure that you can get to the wall socket or extension cord safely and then disconnect it from the outlet. Unplugging an appliance that is on fire will reduce the risk of the fire spreading beyond the appliance. Many electrical fires start at overloaded appliances. For instance, if there is a short in your toaster, it can produce enough heat to start a fire. Another example is when too many Christmas lights are plugged into each other, it can create enough heat to start a fire. If you have an electrical fire that is in a wall or in an appliance that you can't get to to unplug, focus on getting the power turned off. If you can safely get to the electrical switch or the electrical panel, go there and kill the power. Disconnecting the power will eliminate the risk of electrocution, will eliminate the heat source that started the fire, and will allow you to fight the fire with a wider array of fire-fighting techniques. If you cannot get to a location to shut off the power safely, don't attempt it. It is better to stay safe and fight the fire with the power on than to risk getting burned or electrocuted trying to turn the power off. Once a fire has started, electricity can continue to create heat that will encourage the fire to continue. Electricity will also make the fire harder to fight, because you have to be careful not to get shocked, in addition to avoiding getting burned. With this in mind, make sure there is no safe way to get to the electrical disconnect before giving up and fighting the fire while it is still electrified. If you have an appliance fire where the appliance can't be unplugged, go turn off the power at the breaker box. Whatever you can do safely to remove the electricity from the situation, do it.

Summary: Unplug appliances that are on fire. Turn off the electricity. Be certain that the electrical disconnect is out of reach.

Bankruptcy is the process of eliminating some or all of your debts in exchange for either regular payments or a seizing of your property. Although it may not seem like an enviable option, it's the smartest way out of an underwater mortgage for many homeowners. When you file for bankruptcy, the foreclosure proceedings can be stopped with an automatic stay. In order to qualify for bankruptcy, you have to complete a means test, pre-bankruptcy credit counseling, as well as acquire the correct paperwork such as tax documents. There are essentially 2 different kinds of bankruptcy declarations, each with their own unique rules and specifications. As they relate to stopping a foreclosure, they are briefly described below: In chapter 7 bankruptcy, you ask to have most, if not all, of your debts discharged by the courts. In exchange for this discharge, the courts can take any property not exempt from collection, sell it, and distribute the proceeds to your creditors. With chapter 7, you won't be able to keep your house, but you will be able to stall the foreclosure for at least a couple of months. For chapter 7 bankruptcy, you will be able to keep your home if it is the only property you own and if you currently reside there. Though the debt will be discharged, you must continue to make payments on the home in order to keep it. If you do not make the payments, the lender can foreclose on the property. In some states, you will be able to discharge the debt and move out without any recourse, but in other states the lender may be able to come after you for the debt. In chapter 13 bankruptcy, you agree to a plan to pay back all or most of your debts over a certain period of time. The time you have to repay the debt, as well as the repayment plan itself, depends on how much you earn, as well as the types of debt you currently own. With chapter 13, you should be able to keep your home, especially if you think you'll be able to make payments in the future. The repayment plan usually lasts three to five years. S. Bankruptcy Court. Meet with a lawyer and declare your bankruptcy. Start making payments. After a while, attend a meeting of the creditors. This is a meeting between you and a bankruptcy trustee. However, your creditors may also attend. This meeting will give you a better sense of where foreclosure proceedings are at. Bankruptcy attorneys usually collect their fees before a bankruptcy begins because they don't want you to go bankrupt as a result of their fees. The fees could cost $1500 to $3000 or more depending on how complicated your situation is. Find an attorney who charges a flat fee and who has experience with bankruptcies.
Summary: Understand personal bankruptcy. Decide between filing chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy. File your bankruptcy petition with your local U.