We’ve all used that sentence in one way of another.

Ex. 1. “How do you fly a plane?”
“I don’t know.”

Ex. 2. “What do you want to eat for dinner?”
“I don’t know.”

Questions are infinite in number,  I’ll use these two different questions.

Ex 1 is more of a black and white question. Flying a plane is a measurable skill that takes education and experience.

Just today,  a friend was talking to me about marital problems.  I tried offering suggestions, but I realized that it might behoove him to talk to someone who’s actually IN A RELATIONSHIP. I may some great ideas but who knows?

Ex 2 asks for a more meaty answer, no pun intended. It’s a judgement call, takes figuring something out, or really needing people to evaluate and make a decision on something.

I feel “I don’t know” can be used as a sort of:
A. “pass the buck” to someone else (which often happens with dinner. I hate those conversations that go nowhere because people are in the “I don’t know” zone so  I will always make a suggestion to at least start wheels spinning. And for dates, for me, I feel it’s mandatory to bring ideas. Otherwise I think it’s wishy-washy. I NEVER hear a woman say “I want a man who’s WISHY-WASHY.)
 
Or B. to “kick the can (of decision-making)” down the street (of life) if there’s time.

The ol procrastination gig. Especially for a heavy topic. How often have we heard
Ex. “What do you want to do with your life?”
“I don’t know. (Usually followed by a change to a lighter topic.)

Both the “pass the buck” or “kick the can” are types of avoiding responsibility. Heck, I’m guilty of using it occasionally.
Ex. “Rex, do you want kids?”
“I don’t know. Hey have you seen the new Star Ways trailer?”

I’m giving up my right to say “I don’t know.” Let’s see where this goes.

Who’s with me? CHALLENGE EXTENDED.