Disengagement is necessary in situations where circumstances and emotions are heading toward a "ballistic situation". A ballistic episode is where emotions/tempers are out of control and where irreparable damage can occur to the relationship. It is important that you know and recognize defensive behavior, in yourself and from your significant other. It is important that you avoid being defensive and that you engineer the conversation so that your significant other has no reason to be defensive.
REMEMBER,
Powerful people set the mood, weak people reflect the mood.
The best, and usually only, means to effectively resolve an issue, is to maintain cool and calm control. Sometimes you will need a "time out" to regain control of your emotions and prepare your diplomatic and eloquent questions to bring your significant other to a mutually agreeable conclusion of the issue under discussion.
This form is used to proactively prepare for just a situation; where a strategic, diplomatic and eloquent retreat is necessary.