Stop Saying 'I Don't Know'
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Stop Saying 'I Don't Know'

Indecisiveness might be a problem.

312
Stop Saying 'I Don't Know'
Pinterest

One evening last week, my best friend and I were climbing the ridiculously steep road to the Alice in Wonderland Trails when we stumbled across two people meeting for the first time on a hiking date. We suspected they met through Tinder because they were both attractive and “I love hiking” is such a standard profile line, but really, who knows.

I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation, which went like this.

Girl: I don’t know, should we get tacos?

Boy: I mean, we could.

Girl: We could.

Boy: Yeah.

Girl: What do you want to do?

Boy: I don’t know…

Girl: …

Boy: …

Girl: Are you hungry?

Boy: I’m kinda hungry.

Girl: Yeah. But I’m not starving.

Boy: Same.

Girl: …

Boy: …

Girl: I don’t know.

Boy: I don’t know, either.

I couldn’t believe how hard of a decision this was for them. Go get some tacos! When have you ever regretted tacos? When has anyone—excluding allergies and food poisoning—regretted tacos?

It’s easy to say, “I don’t know.” I do it all the time. Sometimes I really don’t care and just want other people to be happy. Sometimes I do care, but I don’t want to take a position that others won’t like.

But one of the worst feelings is wondering what could have happened if you had said, “Yes.” Think of the experiences and the attitudes that a “Yes” gives you rather than an “I don’t know.”

Example: “Wow, tacos sound like a delicious and sexy compliment to this date we’re having. Let’s go to Agave right now!” Boom. You get a delicious meal instead of standing on a hill for an hour, trying to make a decision.

Even more important is the power of the “No.” If you don’t want to do something, you need to know that and communicate that to other people. This is a matter of sticking up for yourself, and it starts with making little decisions.

Example: “No, I actually don’t want to get tacos. They sound delicious, but I don’t want to have taco breath in case we make out.”

If you truly don’t know what you want, then spend some time figuring that out. Learn what you want and tell other people. Start taking charge and making the decisions that you want. Your voice needs to be heard.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

75367
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

47095
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

977607
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments