“A gallant retreat is better than a bad stand.”

You may or may not have heard this wonderful old adage before, but there’s no doubting the value in its wisdom.

It’s easy to find yourself in a situation where you’re at a stand-off with someone in an argument or a situation in your personal, social, or work life, and there is simply no agreement on the horizon. However, it isn’t always obvious how to handle the situation. Should you stand your ground? Should you relent? Should you continue to talk it out with the other person until an agreement is reached?

There is no easy answer because sometimes you will find yourself in situations where you have to stand your ground. On the other hand, there are situations you need to relent. Each situation and outcome is unique, and so is the advice.

Always remember the saying, though, “pick and choose your battles!” Sometimes it’s easier to choose to lose a battle than it is to burn bridges.

Whenever you find yourself stuck in a stand-still, consider this old adage in choosing how to move forward.