do nothing

Wu-wei. New term to me, though I think I actually already live by it to some degree - the 'moderation in all things, including moderation' idea.

We wei is also called 'the middle path'.

From A Love Guide - Learn the Wu-Wei of Improving Communication in Your Relationships
http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Love-Guide---Learn-the-Wu-Wei-of-Improving-Communication-in-Your-Relationships&id=2313796:

"If you feel any resistance or negativity during a conversation, instead of becoming negative or defensive you can choose to go with the flow. You can yield to the other person and change the direction of the conversation by allowing the negative energy of the other to pass you by without disturbing or even touching you. Think of it as verbal Tai Chi or Karate."

Your conditioned response to negativity may be that of either fight or flight. You might get defensive or aggressive. You might shut down and become passive, including giving in or doing what you don't want to do in order to avoid conflict conversations.

Both aggressive and passive responses are ineffective ways to communicate. They often leave you feeling alienated and at odds with the person who either fought with or fled.

Why is Wu-Wei a better choice?

The goal of Wu-Wei is to be assertive by telling others what you are feeling, what you want, need, or what you are requesting. Let it be known what is not acceptable; and do so in a way that is forceful enough but does not step over any of their boundaries.

You are respecting yourself and others when you assert yourself by dealing with the small stuff before it becomes large. You use Wu-Wei to avoid arguments and set firm boundaries against an onslaught of negativity. Then you have plenty of positive energy to live your life on your terms. And you will become a powerful listener, which is an act of love and a way to create healthy relationships."