I don't know.

I really dislike the phrase "I don't know."

When someone answers "I don't know" I always feel confused and frustrated. There isn't really much that I ask that you won't know. I am talking about questions on everyday activity and your opinions on everyday life. I'm not asking you a minute fact on a particular subject that only a few would know. So, I never understand why people answer "I don't know." 

To me, that phrase tells me - 1) the person doesn't care to think, 2) the person is avoiding my question, 3) the person is hiding something, or 4) the person really has no idea. 

#4 is usually unlikely because there is always something there... 

Instead of "I don't know", there's always phrases like "I'm not sure right now, let me think/check regarding the matter", "It's slipped my mind", "I haven't planned anything yet but I'm open to suggestions", "I'm really not interested", etc. 

You can even ask them a question - "What do you suggest?" if you really DON'T KNOW. 

You get the point, be specific when you answer questions. Even if you must say "I don't know" follow up with another sentence like "let me think about it" or "I might be free/busy". Don't just leave it at "I don't know" because for the other person it could mean a billion of things. 

Miscommunications are always the reason for arguments and frustrations. 

We can avoid misunderstandings if we are clear and precise when we speak. 

Update!!!

It's Thursday morning before I have to leave for school. So, it means that I've been in my RN program for exactly one week and 2 days and in between, I went to Las Vegas for the Labor Day weekend. It's sure been hectic. The first week of school felt extremely long because of a new schedule and classes, or maybe because I was looking forward to Vegas. Vegas felt like it came and poof it was time for reality again, as usual. Vegas trip was not a good idea because now I have a mountain of work to do! I'm not really behind but I'm not ahead like I should be.

I've met some really great people in school and everyone is really friendly and nice. I mean, I guess they are since we are going to be nurses, right? There are always some people who are just not going to be your next best friend though, you know what I mean?

We've already learned how to wash our hands properly and take vital signs. I'm really excited about lab and clinical but not so much the seminar where we have to make a 50 minute presentation - even though it's just to 10 people, I'm still feeling nervous about that. I really have to think positively and not let it get to me too much.

Alright, better get back to studying.