Knowing a bit of psychology helps too I'll admit.

Two people are argueing, make them both laugh, they will instantly stop argueing and not start again unless one of them says something to incite it's continuation.

Another thing that helped me become the way I am is that one of my friends in rl became an elitist on WoW, in a short matter of time his entire personality changed from someone funny and ok to be around to a rude, insulting and ignorant pig. I swore I would never become like him or the other elitists I've encountered on that game and many others, so I do what I can to be their complete opposite.

Glad to know I'm doing well with that, and appreciate the compliments.