10 Best Replies To “Do You Mind”

“Do you mind” is a question many people experience often that can be answered in many ways depending on the situation and how you feel. How you reply can do all sorts of things, such as setting boundaries, making someone’s day, or offending someone. It’s important to know some great responses in case you have trouble finding the right words.

What Should I Reply To “Do You Mind”?

When someone asks you a question using “do you mind” it can be difficult to answer, especially when paired with whether or not you do mind the subject in question. There are many ways you can reply to someone asking “do you mind” but here are some of the best responses.

• No, I don’t mind at all.
• Go on ahead.
• Yes, I can do that.
• Not at all.
• Please feel free to do so.
• Yes, I do mind actually.
• Yes, I do mind, but I will do it anyway.
• I’d rather you not.
• I’m sorry, but I can’t/won’t do that right now.
• I mind very much and I’d rather you didn’t.

The best way to reply to the question “do you mind” is “No, I don’t mind at all”. This reply is the best because people are often nervous about asking for something because they may feel like they’re interrupting you. Make sure to talk to them honestly and reassure them it’s no trouble.

What Should I Reply If I Don’t Mind?

Most people who ask you a question with “do you mind” in it are usually inquiring something of you and it’s usually a harmless question or task they want help with. This is usually a no-brainer for people to help with or answer.

No, I Don’t Mind At All

Oftentimes, people are nervous to ask you for help with something. Letting them know you don’t mind helping them out can be a huge weight lifted and give them the confidence they need to ask for help in the future, making “No, I don’t mind at all” a great response.

Most often, people ask for help with minor things that aren’t inconveniencing you but are worried about bothering you, so they can be relieved when given reassurance.

Here’s an example conversation.

• Alex: Hey, do you mind driving me to a doctor’s appointment tomorrow?
• Lily: No, I don’t mind at all, what time is it at?

Go On Ahead

When someone askings permission for something, giving them a short, positive answer can soothe any apprehension or nerves, as well as give them a positive boost because you’re doing a favor they appreciate.

There are always going to be times when someone asks for permission for something, such as borrowing a sweater, taking some of your fries, or cutting ahead of you in line. If you don’t have any problems with their request, telling them “go on ahead” is a great way to let them know.

Here’s a great example.

• Trevor: Do you mind if I go before you?
• Grant: Go on ahead, I’m not in any rush.

Yes, I Can Do That

The world of work is full of “do you mind” questions you have to answer politely to. Giving a concise answer tells them you can do what they’re asking is a simple and effective way to breeze through the workplace.

Whether it’s in or out of work, there are always going to be people asking you to do something easy for them, like passing the salt or grabbing something. Letting them know you can do that wraps the conversation up so you can move on.

Here’s a conversational example.

• Luke: Do you mind getting me a pop from the vending machine while you’re there?
• Megan: Yes, I can do that, what kind do you want?

Not At All

No one expects an enthusiastic response to every question you’re asked. This is a great reply when you want to keep it simple and chill, but let them know they’re not causing you trouble.

Sometimes, you’re going to be asked simple questions that might be a no-brainer. Giving a quick response is both simple and can provide an affirming weight of relief for the person asking, whether it’s about something serious like house-sitting or simply borrowing your pencil.

Here’s an example of this being used during a conversation.

• Mary: Do you mind watching Daisy tomorrow night so Greg and I can have a date?
• Oliver: Not at all, you two haven’t had a night out in ages.

Please Feel Free To Do So

This is a wonderful response you can say with a smile that can make someone’s day. When you’re more than happy to let someone do something, this is the perfect answer to tell them.

Putting this extra bit of effort in your answer to show how you’re feeling can make all the difference in their attitude while letting them know it’s no trouble for you.

Seeing an example like the one below can help provide clarification.

• Liz: Do you mind if I take a few of these suckers to give to my little sister?
• Phil: Please feel free to do so; we’ve got tons more in the back.

What Should I Reply If I Do Mind?

Sometimes, when someone is asking you a question with the phrase “do you mind” in it, you do actually mind. It can be easy to come off as rude when answering when you may not like what they are asking, so here are some of the best ways to respond when you do mind without seeming rude.

Yes, I Do Mind Actually

You’re not always going to be comfortable with someone’s request and it’s best to let them know. The easiest way is to be direct and say how you feel. Being straightforward can save both of you trouble down the road.

Even if you have a problem with someone’s request, it’s still important to be honest about how you feel, both with yourself and with the other person.

You can use this response as shown in the sentence below.

• Bret: Do you mind if I eat some of your fries?
• Tiffany: Yes, I do mind actually because you always eat my fries.

Yes, I Do Mind, But I Will Do It Anyway

In a situation where you’re being asked to do something that bothers or inconveniences you, you can let them know that you do mind doing what they’ve asked, but you will do it anyway. This may be because you are already on your way to do something similar, or you wish to be a kind person, such as moving to a different seat.

When you let someone know you do mind, but you’ll do it anyway, the person asking is appreciative of your gesture because they understand they’re bothering you, but you’re still making the effort for them.

Here’s a great example of this used in a casual conversation.

• Jason: Do you mind moving over a few seats so I can sit next to my friend?
• Terry: Yes, I do mind, but I will do it anyway.

I’d Rather You Not

People will always ask you if you mind whether or not they do something, whether it’s doing or taking something, and you’re not always going to be on board. Telling them you’d rather they didn’t do that is a great way to respectfully set boundaries.

No matter what the request, it’s important to set boundaries for yourself and stick to them, especially if someone else is asking your opinion on their actions.

You may use the sentence below as a reference.

• Bethany: Hey, do you mind if I light a cigarette in here?
• Jessica: I don’t like the smell so I’d rather you not do that right now.

I’m Sorry, But I Can’t/Won’t Do That Right Now

Sometimes when someone asks you if you mind doing something, you may actually want to, but just cannot at that moment. On the other hand, you may just not want to do what they’re requesting at the moment, and that’s okay.

Giving someone a polite reply that lets them know you can’t or won’t do something right now is a great way to politely let them know without hurting their feelings.

A great example of this is shown in the sentences below.

• Billy: Do you mind mailing this out for me so I can leave early?
• Ally: I’m sorry, but I can’t do that right now because I need to finish up this report.

I Mind Very Much And I’d Rather You Didn’t

In a situation where someone asks you something, you may find you do mind quite a bit and you really don’t want them doing it. You might discover you don’t know how to tell them without sounding very rude. This reply is a great way to stay civil while speaking your mind.

Lots of people are going to ask you to do things that bother you, and you are completely in the right to ask them not to do so, but it’s still important to take into consideration your wording.

This response can be seen being used in the conversation provided below.

• Jessy: Do you mind if I switch which chores we’re doing because I really don’t want to do the dishes.
• James: I mind very much and I’d rather you didn’t because I always do the dishes.