Art of "No Response"

[GRL]

It was a busy day in IPD , and we were running here and there to make sure that the newly admitted patients was receiving the necessary treatments. Then one of the interns informed me and asked to come to the reception area, as someone was shouting at the receptionist, demanding to meet the authorities. Many interns were trying to calm him down, but he is not ready to stop. Just then our MS came there and enquired about the situation. He simply stood there for about 5 min watching bystander complain and finally told - Don’t worry. We will take care. Then there was a silence. It was then I understood the power of " No Response".

‘Art of no response’ is our conscious decision not to respond to unwanted chaos. When we choose reaction over silence, it is like we are encouraging them to insult or say bad about us . Through art of no response, we set boundaries around us like a shield and make sure we are not effected psychologically. If we start explaining ourself to others, it will not only make others talk more back, but also drains our energy. No response is a way of response and it will only makes our life better as a health professional by protecting our mental peace.

Have you experienced anything like this?

MBH/PS

[yukta]

Often, we feel the need to explain ourselves in every situation, but sometimes choosing silence carries more weight than words. Silence can create space, set boundaries, and prevent unnecessary conflict. It shifts the focus back onto the other person, without us having to justify ourselves. When used with intention, it reflects self control rather than avoidance, and communicates more than explanations ever could.

[GRL]

Exactly @yukta

[komal]

Powerful lesson sometimes the “art of no response” isn’t weakness, but a calm, strategic way to maintain control, set boundaries, and protect mental peace

[Anushree_Poojari2025]

Agreed.

[GRL]

So true