Sometimes the most mature sentence is “I misunderstood you.”

Being able to say you misunderstood someone is a small sentence that resolves a great deal. It costs a little standing and it ends the argument about who meant what, which is usually the least productive part of any disagreement. Most people find it harder than admitting a factual error.

Use it early rather than after a long defence. If it turns out you had the wrong picture, say so plainly and ask them to tell you again. The conversation restarts on accurate ground, and the willingness to say it makes people considerably more careful with you in return.