“I don’t know”
Do you?
I’m not really sure when I discovered this, but for someone with my personality, “I don’t know” are probably the most liberating words I’ve ever spoken.
Why do we feel like we have to know everything? What is it about the modern world that makes us so afraid to admit we don’t know something? Maybe it isn’t the modern world? Maybe it’s just ego and fear? To be honest: I don’t know why, but it is real.
Sometimes I used to pretend to know something, usually something stupid. Someone would say “Did you see that show the other night?” And I would just nod or say “Yeah, did.” Why did I do that? What’s the problem with just saying “No, I didn’t. Was it good?”
The number of things I’ve learned from admitting ignorance is amazing! Conversations branch in totally different ways when you just say “No, I didn’t” or “I don’t know about that.” Additionally, there is a warm, honest feeling that comes with telling the truth. You are saying “I don’t know about that and that’s okay.” Not everyone has to know everything. It also makes me appreciate what others have learned. They get excited and shine with sharing information.
“I don’t know” … try it, you may like it.