How Do You Respond When You Don’t Mind?

A large number of situations where you do not mind will involve helping others with something. When someone requests something, and you tell them that you do not mind and are amenable to the situation, then you have now created a form of responsibility for yourself. If someone says, “I have a date night tomorrow with my husband, could you watch my children for a few hours?” If you reply with, “Sure! I don’t mind at all,” then you have created a verbal agreement with that person. So, it’s important to be aware of the following: 1. Use similar language to match up in tone with your interlocutors. 2. If someone asks for something and is rather vague about it, you should get an explanation before providing unconditional acceptance. 3. Be informal in a personal setting. 4. Use courtesy responses and polite language in a professional setting. 5. Make it clear if you would like to be asked again in the future for a similar request. 6. Be aware of blanket permissions. 7. Use a qualifier. For example: “I don’t mind, as long as you make sure you put it back where you got it before you leave.” 8. Remember not to tell someone you do not mind if you do care.