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Is it okay not to fight back because you're scared that it might get the situation worst?

17 Answers
Last Updated: 03/13/2017 at 3:36pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Tracy-Kate Teleke, PsyD, M.A., LMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

I assist adults and couples in CA experiencing relationship challenges and interpersonal struggles including anxiety, depression, and a myriad of other life challenges.

Top Rated Answers
KatieWhite
April 19th, 2016 6:23pm
It's understandable to not fight back and in some cases yes. One should choose their battles. But if you feel like you're fighting the same thing everyday even when you don't fight back then the situation won't be solved unless you speak up. That might mean it will get worse before it gets better but sometimes that's better than losing the same battle everyday.
CallmeP
January 19th, 2016 5:30pm
Yes. it is. You are thinking of the betterment of your situation and that's good. Also, fighting back is not always the answer. The answer is usually, doing the right thing.
Anonymous
April 4th, 2015 10:08pm
Always defend yourself in any situation, you are a precious human being and being scared is a normal emotion.
Anonymous
June 12th, 2015 1:59am
Yes. You do whatever you need to do to be as safe as possible. There is no one right thing to do that always works, and you just have to figure out what's the best thing to do based on your own instincts and knowledge. If you didn't fight back and it gets worse anyway, that is the attacker's fault for attacking you. In some situations you may not have the choice to fight back, either, because your unconscious brain may have made a quick executive decision that freezing is the best option. I forget the scientific name for this but it's a thing that happens to both humans and animals sometimes in times of extreme danger or perceived danger--they freeze and can't move even if they want to.
Kimberly18Joanne
December 22nd, 2015 6:41am
Fighting back isn't your only option. There is always another way if you open your mind up to it.
ams96
January 11th, 2015 4:07pm
It's perfectly okay not to fight back. The best revenge is no revenge. Some people bother you, just because they want a reaction.
beyourownSpotlight97
June 30th, 2015 5:34am
It's absolutely okay. Fighting isn't the answer. If you're fearful of the consequences, it's best to stay away from any physical or verbal altercations that may make the situation worse.
InvisibleMonster
April 25th, 2016 10:25pm
It is okay, but its not good to let a bad situation continue on for a long time, id let someone know what is going on and have someone that will stand up for you, but violence is never the answer, but stranding up for yourself is always important
BeautifulZebra701
November 9th, 2015 4:47am
It is okay and it is understandable, but it's best to fight back if the situation can surely be helped by it. Otherwise, immediate fighting back my not lead to the best, most well anticipated results.
VerdictEndgameOver
July 5th, 2016 5:56am
I believe it is all up to one's personal judgement and set of core values. It is important to fight back, but it is even more important to first weigh the various factors and potential consequences, and then make a more informed personal decision.
Anonymous
March 13th, 2017 3:36pm
It is okay to be scared and sometimes even wise to not fight back. But it doesn't mean that you shouldn't seek chances to escape the situation. Don't fight actively but plan to get free. You deserve a better life than this. And you can do this. We are here for you. Be brave. Be safe.
Anonymous
December 26th, 2015 2:58pm
Absolutely, I feel this way a lot
Artemis6
January 10th, 2017 3:46pm
Yes. Sometimes walking away from a situation is the best thing to do. Walking away doesn't mean weakness, it sometimes mean that you are smarter and would like to defuse the conflict as quickly as possible :)
Anonymous
January 17th, 2017 4:07pm
It's always a good idea not to react in an angry way or lash out. I would suggest waiting the negative feelings out and asking the person to continue the discussion when you are both calm, perhaps 10 minutes later or at a time that is convenient. It's important to state our opinions and boundaries but not in a violent way.
Anonymous
July 27th, 2015 4:36am
It's justified & real mature not to fight back, what I think is one should be the last one to fight & first person to make up for fight. If you think you're not wrong & don't want to continue that's alright too, walk away from all those who don't appreciate your worth. :)
Anonymous
June 3rd, 2015 9:19am
I agree it is okay not to, situations could lead to a more dangerous outcome if you were to fight back.
ShyMap840
June 1st, 2015 9:42pm
Its best to discuss this sort of situation with someone you trust. Its ok to be scared. Take your time to work out the best solution for you. However,if you are in physical danger it is best to discuss the situation with the relevant authorities.