Do you mind?

This appears to be a very simple question, and you would think that the vast majority of people would get it right, but if that’s your conclusion, you would be wrong.

When I’m listening to conversations, watching TV, reading or editing manuscripts, this is what I usually see:

Person A: “Do you mind if I sit down?”

Person B: “Yeah, go ahead. (Variations on this answer – “Sure. Yes.”)

WRONG!

When somebody asks if you mind, and you consent, the correct answer is “No. I don’t mind.” End of story.

However, you could say, “No problem.” “Go right ahead,” “Please do,” or something to that effect. Just don’t say yes unless you don’t want the person to sit there.

Alternate answer:

Person A: “Do you mind if I sit down?”

Person B: “Yes, I do mind. Sorry. My pet orangutan is sitting there.”

*Shout out to Cathie because I asked her this question in the car, do you mind, and she said yes when she meant no, and we both laughed.