A thought-provoking post! I had a good argument with someone today actually, but I wouldn't even think of falling out with them over it. I suppose the subtext was about setting boundaries in a friendship.

If I strongly value the relationship, I will try to head off the argument by seeking common ground immediately.

I've never thought about it from that perspective before. Sometimes if I strongly value a relationship, but there are difficult differences, I prefer to have an argument to sort out the issues. On the other hand, I have had friends who try to provoke conflict, almost as if they're trying to test you. It can verge on bullying, and I don't put up with it for long.