When someone texts “IDK,” it can mean anything from “I genuinely don’t know” to “I don’t feel like deciding” to “I’m not in the mood to talk.” That’s why the best answer isn’t one perfect line—it’s the right line for the moment. This guide breaks down how to respond to IDK in a way that keeps the conversation moving, avoids awkward tension, and helps you figure out what they actually mean check more here : 150+ Roasts for Your Best Friend (Funny & Savage)
Whether you’re wondering how to respond to IDK text, how to respond to IDK in text, or you’re stuck thinking idk how to respond to that, you’ll find copy-paste replies for friends, coworkers, partners, and even the classic “idk how to respond” meme situations.
Why people say “IDK” in texts and conversation
They truly don’t know (need context)
Sometimes “IDK” is honest. They don’t have enough information, they haven’t thought about it, or they’re unsure what you’re asking. If you’re thinking how do I respond to IDK, treat it like a missing-details problem—not an attitude problem. A quick follow-up question usually solves it.
They’re overwhelmed or tired (low energy)
When someone’s drained, “IDK” can mean: “I can’t process this right now.” In that case, the best move is a gentle response that reduces pressure. If you keep pushing, it can turn into frustration fast.
They’re avoiding choosing (decision pressure)
A lot of “IDK” texts really mean “I don’t want to decide.” This happens with plans, food, movies, and weekend ideas. If you’ve heard “IDK, you tell me,” you’ve seen decision fatigue in action. The solution is offering two or three options, not another open-ended question.
They’re being passive or dismissive (low effort)
Sometimes “IDK” is low-effort texting: they don’t want to engage, they’re distracted, or they’re not interested. If you’re searching how do you respond to IDK and it keeps happening, notice the pattern: short replies, no questions back, no momentum.
They don’t feel safe sharing (uncertainty or anxiety)
In serious conversations, “IDK” can be self-protection: they don’t know how to say what they feel, they’re afraid of conflict, or they haven’t found words yet. If someone says “IDK how I feel,” they may need time and emotional safety, not a clever comeback.
How to respond to “IDK” the right way
Match the situation before you reply
Before you answer, ask yourself: is this about plans, emotions, work, or flirting? The best how to respond to IDK what to say approach depends on context. “IDK” about pizza is different from “IDK” about feelings.
Ask a guiding question (make it easy to answer)
Instead of “why?” or “what do you mean?”, ask something small and answerable:
- “IDK as in you’re unsure, or you don’t care either way?”
- “What part are you unsure about?”
- “Do you want ideas, or do you want time to think?”
This works especially well for how to respond to IDK text without sounding annoyed.
Offer 2–3 options (reduce decision fatigue)
Open-ended questions create more “IDK.” Options create decisions.
- “Do you want tacos, pizza, or sushi?”
- “Movie or a quick walk?”
- “We can go Friday or Saturday—what’s better?”
If they hit you with how to respond to IDK you tell me energy, options are the fastest fix.
Use a neutral tone (don’t escalate)
Avoid sarcasm when you’re not sure what “IDK” means. Neutral lines keep things calm:
- “No worries.”
- “All good.”
- “We can figure it out.”
Neutral tone matters even more when you’re figuring out how to respond to IDK in text where tone is easy to misread.
Move things forward (next step wording)
If you want progress, propose a next step:
- “Want me to pick and we go with it?”
- “Let’s do option A today and option B next time.”
- “If you’re unsure, I’ll choose—sound good?”
When to stop pushing (respect the boundary)
If they keep saying “IDK” and don’t engage, pause.
- “No pressure—text me when you feel like talking.”
- “We can leave it for now.”
- “All good, we’ll revisit later.”
When “IDK” is clearly a shutdown, pushing usually makes it worse.
Best short replies to “IDK” (quick copy-paste)
One-word and two-word replies
- “Fair.”
- “Okay.”
- “Gotcha.”
- “No worries.”
- “All good.”
- “Same.”
- “Honestly?”
- “Interesting.”
- “Bet.”
- “Cool.”
Calm, neutral responses
- “That’s okay—want a suggestion?”
- “No stress. Take your time.”
- “Alright, we can decide later.”
- “All good—what are you leaning toward?”
- “Okay—want options?”
Polite replies that keep things moving
- “No problem. Want me to pick?”
- “That’s fine—do you prefer A or B?”
- “Totally okay. What would make it easier?”
- “Got it. Should I share a few ideas?”
- “All good—do you want to think on it?”
Direct replies when you need an answer
- “I need a yes/no—what works?”
- “Can you choose A or B?”
- “What do you want to do right now?”
- “If you don’t know, I’ll decide—okay?”
- “Are you unsure, or not interested?”
Smart and neutral responses to “IDK”
Clarifying questions that get real answers
- “IDK because you haven’t decided yet?”
- “What part don’t you know—the time, the place, or the plan?”
- “Do you want advice or just to vent?”
- “Is it a ‘not sure’ or a ‘don’t care’?”
- “What would help you decide?”
“Help me understand” replies (no pressure)
- “Help me understand—what’s making it hard to choose?”
- “I’m not mad, I just want to get you.”
- “No pressure—what’s on your mind?”
- “I’m listening. Take your time.”
- “It’s okay if you’re unsure—want to talk it out?”
Problem-solving prompts (step-by-step)
- “Let’s narrow it down—what do you NOT want?”
- “What matters most: price, time, or vibe?”
- “Pick the goal first, then we choose the option.”
- “What’s the easiest option for you tonight?”
- “If we keep it simple, what would you pick?”
Decision helpers (rank, pick, rule-out)
- “Rank these: A, B, C.”
- “Pick one and we’ll lock it in.”
- “Rule one out—what’s not happening?”
- “If you had to choose in 10 seconds, what would it be?”
- “Choose now, we can change later.”
Polite responses to “IDK”
Gentle replies for friends and family
- “No worries—want me to decide?”
- “It’s fine. What are you in the mood for?”
- “We can keep it simple—your call.”
- “All good. Want options?”
- “Take your time. I’m here.”
Respectful replies for coworkers
- “No problem—can you confirm by end of day?”
- “If you’re unsure, I can propose two options.”
- “What information would help you decide?”
- “Let’s align on the priority, then choose.”
- “If you don’t know yet, when will you know?”
Patient replies when someone’s stressed
- “That’s okay. Breathe—no rush.”
- “We don’t have to solve it right now.”
- “Want me to handle this one?”
- “I can suggest something if that helps.”
- “It’s alright to be unsure.”
Soft check-ins (“want to think on it?”)
- “Want to think on it and circle back?”
- “Do you want time, or do you want options?”
- “We can pause this—just tell me when you’re ready.”
- “No pressure—should I ask again later?”
- “We can revisit tomorrow.”
Funny responses to “IDK”
Light jokes (friendly, not mean)
- “IDK is not an option on the menu 😄”
- “That’s your final answer?”
- “Okay, we’ll ask the universe.”
- “IDK… but I know we’re hungry.”
- “Let’s flip a coin.”
Witty comebacks (playful banter)
- “IDK? Bold strategy.”
- “You’re giving me zero clues here.”
- “Alright, I’ll take the wheel.”
- “If I guess right, I get bragging rights.”
- “IDK again and I’m choosing chaos.”
Meme-style lines (text-only)
Perfect for the idk how to respond meme vibe without needing images:
- “Me, processing: ‘idk how to respond to that.’”
- “I’m in my ‘idk how to respond’ era.”
- “Brb buffering…”
- “Error 404: response not found.”
- “My brain just left the chat.”
(If you’ve seen the idk how to respond memes or the idk how to respond cartoon style posts, these are the same energy—just cleaner for everyday texting.)
Funny replies that still move the convo forward
- “IDK? Cool. A or B then?”
- “I’ll pick—complaints must be submitted in writing.”
- “Okay, I’m choosing. You can veto once.”
- “Let’s make it easy: yes or no?”
- “If you don’t know, I’ll surprise you.”
Flirty responses to “IDK”
Cute teasing replies
- “IDK? That’s adorable. Let me help.”
- “I’ll decide… unless you want to impress me.”
- “You want me to take the lead, don’t you?”
- “IDK is cute, but pick one 😄”
- “I’ll choose—then you owe me a smile.”
Confident flirty lines
- “No worries, I’ve got us.”
- “I’ll pick the plan. You just show up.”
- “I like decisive energy—want to try again?”
- “I’ll choose this time. Next time you choose.”
- “I’m taking control of this conversation.”
Turning “IDK” into a date plan
- “If you don’t know, I’m picking: coffee or dinner?”
- “Cool—then I’ll choose the place. You choose the time.”
- “IDK? Perfect. Surprise date it is.”
- “Let’s keep it simple: Friday night, yes or no?”
- “I’ll plan it—are you in?”
When “IDK” is a hint they want you to lead
Sometimes how to respond to IDK text from a girl (or anyone you like) is simple: lead with options and confidence.
- “No problem—pick: cozy night in or going out?”
- “I’ll choose. Are you okay with that?”
- “I’ve got two ideas—tell me which one you prefer.”
- “Say less. I’ll handle the plan.”
How to respond to “IDK” by situation
When planning (what to do, where to go)
- “Okay, do you want chill or something fun?”
- “Two options: food first or activity first?”
- “I’ll pick a place—are you okay with that?”
- “What vibe: quiet, social, or outdoors?”
- “Rule one out—what don’t you want?”
When choosing food (“IDK, you pick”)
- “Pick one: burgers or sushi?”
- “I’ll choose—any allergies or hard no’s?”
- “Comfort food or something light?”
- “You choose the cuisine, I’ll choose the spot.”
- “Okay—tacos it is unless you object.”
When picking a movie or show
- “Comedy or thriller?”
- “Old favorite or something new?”
- “Pick: 90 minutes or a series?”
- “You choose the genre, I’ll choose the title.”
- “I’ll start one—if you hate it, we switch.”
When making weekend plans
- “Rest weekend or productive weekend?”
- “One plan only: brunch, movie, or outing?”
- “Saturday or Sunday—what’s better?”
- “Morning plans or evening plans?”
- “If you don’t know, I’ll plan something easy.”
When talking about feelings (“IDK how I feel”)
- “That’s okay. Want time or want to talk it out?”
- “What are you feeling the most—stress, sadness, confusion?”
- “Is it more about the situation or the person?”
- “We can go slow. I’m here.”
- “You don’t have to have the perfect words.”
When discussing serious topics
- “What part feels unclear?”
- “Do you want facts, advice, or just space?”
- “Let’s break it down—what do we know for sure?”
- “If you’re not ready, we can pause.”
- “We can revisit when you feel clearer.”
When they keep saying “IDK” repeatedly
- “Is something bothering you, or are you just not in the mood?”
- “If you don’t want to talk, that’s okay—just say so.”
- “Want me to choose, or should we drop it?”
- “I feel like we’re stuck—how do you want to handle this?”
- “No pressure. We can stop here.”
How to respond to “IDK” from different people
From a crush (low effort vs shy)
- “No worries—want options?”
- “I’ll pick this time. You pick next time.”
- “Are you unsure, or do you want me to lead?”
- “Okay, choose A or B 😊”
From a friend (indecision vs avoidance)
- “I’ll decide—any preferences at all?”
- “What’s your vibe: chill or active?”
- “If you don’t care, I’ll choose.”
- “You good? You seem off.”
From a partner (emotional check-in)
- “That’s okay. Want time or comfort right now?”
- “I’m here. What’s making it hard to say?”
- “Can we talk later when you’re ready?”
- “Do you feel overwhelmed?”
From a coworker (clarify responsibilities)
- “What info do you need to confirm?”
- “Can you share your best guess and we’ll refine?”
- “Do you want me to propose options?”
- “When can you follow up with a decision?”
From your boss or manager (professional framing)
- “I can send two options with pros/cons—what do you prefer?”
- “What’s the priority: speed, cost, or quality?”
- “Can you clarify the goal so I can recommend next steps?”
- “If you’re unsure, I can draft a proposal.”
From a teenager/kid (help them choose)
- “That’s okay—what are your two favorite options?”
- “Pick one thing you definitely don’t want.”
- “Do you want me to decide, or do you want choices?”
- “Let’s make it easy: A or B.”
When “IDK” feels dismissive or rude
Signs they’re shutting you down
- They answer “IDK” to everything
- They don’t ask anything back
- They ignore follow-up questions
- They respond hours later with minimal effort
- They use “lol idk” to dodge real conversation (yes, how to respond to lol idk depends on whether they’re joking or avoiding)
Boundary-setting replies (firm but calm)
- “If you don’t want to talk, that’s okay—just tell me.”
- “I’m trying to communicate. Can you meet me halfway?”
- “If you’re unsure, we can pause this.”
- “I need a clearer answer than ‘IDK.’”
- “Let’s talk when you’re ready to engage.”
“If you don’t want to talk, say so” options
- “Are you not sure, or not interested?”
- “Do you want to drop the topic?”
- “Should I stop asking?”
- “I’m okay with space—just be direct.”
What to do if they ignore your questions
- Stop rephrasing the same thing repeatedly
- Send one final clear message, then pause
- “I’m here when you want to talk. Good night.”
- “No worries—reach out when you’re ready.”
- Match their effort level and protect your peace
When to end the conversation
If the tone stays dismissive, end it politely:
- “Okay, we’ll leave it there.”
- “No worries—talk later.”
- “Alright. I’m going to step away.”
- “We can revisit another time.”
What not to say after someone texts “IDK”
Replies that escalate conflict
- “Why are you like this?”
- “Whatever.”
- “You never know anything.”
- “You’re so annoying.”
Replies that shame or guilt them
- “You don’t care.”
- “Wow, thanks for the effort.”
- “I guess I’m not important.”
Over-texting and interrogating
- Rapid-fire questions
- Long paragraphs demanding an answer
- Repeating the same question in multiple ways
Passive-aggressive responses (and better alternatives)
If you’re tempted to go cold, try a cleaner version:
- Instead of “Fine.” → “No worries, we can decide later.”
- Instead of “K.” → “Alright—message me when you know.”
- Instead of “Whatever you want.” → “Pick A or B.”
IDK response cheat sheets (copy-paste)
Best short replies (top picks)
- “Fair.”
- “No worries.”
- “Want options?”
- “I’ll decide.”
- “A or B?”
Best funny replies (top picks)
- “Brb buffering…”
- “IDK isn’t a plan 😄”
- “Coin flip time.”
- “I’ll pick—complaints later.”
- “Error 404: decision missing.”
Best smart replies (top picks)
- “What part is unclear?”
- “Do you want ideas or time?”
- “Rule one out.”
- “What matters most here?”
- “Are you unsure or uninterested?”
Best flirty replies (top picks)
- “I’ll take the lead 😉”
- “Coffee or dinner?”
- “I’ll plan it—are you in?”
- “Pick A or B, cutie.”
- “You want me to choose, don’t you?”
Best work-safe replies (top picks)
- “What info would help you decide?”
- “I can share two options.”
- “What’s the priority?”
- “When can you confirm?”
- “Let’s align on the goal.”
Best boundary replies (top picks)
- “If you don’t want to talk, say so.”
- “I need a clearer answer.”
- “We can pause this.”
- “Talk when you’re ready.”
- “Let’s revisit later.”
Conclusion
“IDK” isn’t always a dead end—it’s usually a signal. Sometimes it means they need context. Sometimes they want you to lead. Sometimes they’re tired, overwhelmed, or avoiding the conversation. Once you figure out which one it is, the right reply becomes easy: ask a guiding question, offer a few options, keep your tone neutral, and move things forward. And when it’s clearly dismissive, the strongest move is a calm boundary and a clean exit—no drama, just self-respect.
FAQs
How to answer “I don’t know”?
The best way to answer “I don’t know” is to make it easier for the other person to respond. Ask a guiding question, offer options, or narrow it down. Try:
- “Is it that you’re unsure, or you don’t care either way?”
- “Want me to give you two options?”
- “What’s the one thing you do know?”
If it’s emotional (“I don’t know how I feel”), give them space: “That’s okay—do you want time or do you want to talk it out?”
How to respond when someone says IDK?
Start with context, then choose the right style:
- If they need help: “No worries—what part is unclear?”
- If they’re avoiding deciding: “Pick one: A or B.”
- If they’re tired: “All good—let’s decide later.”
- If it feels dismissive: “If you don’t want to talk, just tell me.”
A good IDK response keeps the tone neutral while moving the conversation forward.
What to reply to “Do I know you”?
It depends on tone—confused, playful, or defensive.
Polite:
- “Not sure—have we met before?”
- “I don’t think so. I’m [Name].”
Funny:
- “Not yet, but we can fix that.”
- “You will after this conversation.”
Confident:
- “Maybe—where do you think you’ve seen me?”
- “If we don’t, we can start now.”
If it feels rude or suspicious:
- “No, I don’t think we do.”
- “Why do you ask?”
What are dry replies?
Dry replies are short, low-effort responses that don’t add warmth or keep the conversation going. They often sound uninterested or dismissive, like:
- “Ok.”
- “K.”
- “Idk.”
- “Sure.”
Dry texting isn’t always rude—sometimes people are busy or tired—but repeated dry replies can be a sign they don’t want to engage.