It's funny how relevant this is in the age of outrage. Doing nothing (for a bit) is sometimes the best thing that you can do when emotions are high. This principle applies in collectives as small as a two-person relationship, where you're one of those two people, or when you're the leader of a community facing a PR firestorm.
One of the best things you can do when you don't have the right thing to say is to simply say nothing. Do you know why? Because one of the worst and most common things you can do is make a situation worse than it already is.
The reality is, looking really good in the face of conflict is something people often strive for. Wanting to respond quickly and in the moment is a very real pitfall. But taking a moment, whether it's digging an hour to go for a walk in the middle of a fight or sleeping on a decision, can make a significant difference.
The worst thing that can happen if you take a break is that your partner gets mad at you for taking a break. But the worst thing that could happen if you keep fighting in the heat of the moment is that you lose your relationship. You can say or do something you regret, something you don't mean, and they may never forget it.
It's very easy to make one-way door decisions, meaning decisions you can't reverse, when tensions are high and emotions are hot. But doing nothing, taking your time, and sleeping on it can be the wise choice. Going for a walk, letting tensions die down, and letting the dust settle can preserve what you actually care about.
In the context of a company, when people are out to troll you or clown you and make memes about you, let them have their moment. But take time to formulate what you want to do next for the long-term flourishing of your company or your relationship.
Doing nothing in the moment can be very good for you and can save what you actually care about. In the midst of chaos and outrage, a moment of calm reflection may be the most powerful action you can take.