I've been in my fair share of fights, and if you want some advice on how to get through them, or ways that leave your character
not on the brink of death, I could list a few-- Oh heck. I'll do it anyway.
1. Running away: seems cowardly, but it keeps your character in good condition depending on the amount of wounds he/she has already.
2. Hitting someone /then/ running away: Yet again could be a good idea, but it is a bit risky. If it's a verbal fight and you whack someone upside the head with a club, then you have the chance of your character dying. If it's a verbal fight getting physical, and you don't want to participate. Run. All you got to do is run or walk away. If they chase after you with a weapon? You /should/ have the chance to kill them if necessary. I personally don't like killing someone else's characters but eh.
Example:
Giovanni~ "Ryver, wait!" Giovanni reached out his hand to snatch Ryver's wrist.
Ryver~ Ryver's eyes widen upon contact, trying to pull herself out of his grip. Her voice wavered as she yelled, "Let go of me, Creep!"
Giovanni~ He pulls out a dagger, attempting to strike her across the cheek.
Ryver~ His strike missed, cutting her shoulder a bit. She forcefully yanked herself away, stumbled backwards, and started to run.
Giovanni~ His eyes flickered as he watched her go, shook his head, and let her get away.
There. That's my really crappy example <3 I'd love to Roleplay with you, and if you want to practice combat situations with me, we can. <3~