AskToDisengage

Ask To Disengage is a step in Conflict Resolution for situations that are becoming heated or uncomfortable. Say you wish to end the interaction with someone either by removing yourself from the situation and leaving or by asking them to do so in the interest of avoiding escalation.

Things to try before asking to disengage

Getting along has a list of steps to take before and after the point where you might request an Ask To Disengage.

Backing someone up who asks to disengage

If you hear someone ask someone else to disengage, you can play a helpful role as a relatively neutral intermediary by backing up the person asking and enocuraging the person asked to cooperate.

• Tell both parties that you think it is a good idea for them to disengage from each other right now.
• Remind the person asked that cooperating with an Ask To Disengage request shows excellence, respect for the other person's feelings, and preserves the peacefulness of community space.
• Offer to take the person aside and speak to them about their feelings about the situation as they may be feeling confused or upset at being asked. Being a good listener may diffuse a lot of their agitation.