Reply #52: Walking away from a punch is not ignoring it. If the punch is so insignificant that it can...

[yawnmaster]

be ignored, then yes, ignore it.
Why do you assume that there are only two ways to react, walk away or defend yourself?
1. avoid the situation before it happens. you don't need to see the future, only recognize situations that are risky.
2. turn the other cheek. yes. not walk away but allow the aggressor to strike again if they desire. If this passiveness stops the actions because the aggressor gets second thoughts or sees peace in your actions, then this is very viable.
3. walk (or run) away. Often the best approach, unless your personality requires that you carry a chip on your shoulder. By the way, this option allows you to practice option number one, above, the next time the situation occurs.
4. take away the stick. That is to neutralize the aggression. Talk it out (or physically take the stick away). Reduce the physical as much as possible.
5. defend yourself with aggression. Use enough to neutralize the situation. Deal with the consequences (which may be third party punishment).

Of course if one has anger management problems, requires revenge, needs that chip on a shoulder, then number 5 is often the only option taken.

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