Last time I had an encounter someone came up behind me on a bike, threw half a brick at my head and split my face wide open with it, then stopped ahead of me to laugh.
I walked by and took no action - not because I wasn't able, but because I was so angry I probably would have permanently maimed the individual responsible, which could have landed me in prison or with a record.
My inaction stemmed from logical thought, even under the circumstances, and was as potent as any action I might have taken. So, I would say I fared well and should have been proud of my (actual lack of) action, although many would disagree.
(Having said that, I've regretted not breaking the little f&($£(*&'s face ever since, which is just something else to add to my massive pile of regrets.)
C'est la vie.
Ian.