Instead of “I Don’t Care,” Say One of These Three Responses
I must admit, several things bother me about people. A lot relates to how people drive (I do not think I am much different from others on that one). However, when I look closely, what bothers me most stems from communication, and how people want to share something with you that is not of interest to you.
I recently had an incident that proved to me how much people do not listen, but they are so focused on being heard. Someone called to “set the record straight” about a story someone else told me. The most curious thing about the story is that I really did not care about it at all. The person who told me the story was sharing what she thought happened. I was half-listening because it ultimately did not affect me. By the time the second person called to set the record straight, the story was already forgotten.
The person kept talking after I said, “I don’t care.” And I didn’t. I repeatedly said it, but the person did not stop trying to explain their side of the story and its events. This incident is what prompted me to write about communication. Still, mostly it was about other ways I could have responded to the caller because “I don’t care” was not a sufficient response for them to stop talking.
So, what is a better response when “I don’t care” is not enough? I pondered this question and came up with some responses that could be used in our personal and professional communication since saying, “I don’t care” in a corporate setting can upset many managers.
Here are my three personal and SFW (safe for work) response alternatives to “I don’t care:”
1. I don’t have a dog in the hunt, or I don’t have a horse in that race.
Nothing can diffuse a situation, especially one that does not interest you, like a tried-and-true quote. And if it has Southern origins, it is even better. These phrases put people off-guard and can help you maintain your sanity.
2. Before you start, how should I apply this information?
I love asking an insightful question. It is a powerful communication tool to help the receiver better understand the message. However, it is essential to help the sender consider why they are sharing what they are sharing. It also can help the sender decide if what they are sharing is really important and necessary for the receiver.
3. Let me share my current concerns.
As an alternative to “I don’t care,” this statement informs the other person that you have greater concerns than what they want to tell you. It may not always be useful, especially with a strong-willed person, but it can help to diffuse the other person’s urgency.
I just wished I had these in my toolkit when I dealt with that dreaded conversations. Thankfully, you do not have to suffer the same fate.
