I don't mind means “it's no trouble” or “I have no objection”. Its second meaning is “either is fine, you choose”: Tea or coffee? — I don't mind. It's a polite, calm reply with no irritation.
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I don't mind + -ing; I don't mind + noun; I don't mind if + clause; Do you mind if I…? — No, I don't mind / Not at all
- I don't mind working on Saturdays if I get Monday off.
- — Tea or coffee? — I don't mind, whatever is easier for you.
- — Do you mind if I bring a friend? — No, I don't mind at all.
What changed
First version— Do you mind if I open the window? — Yes, I don't mind. It's really hot.
Revision— Do you mind if I open the window? — No, I don't mind. It's really hot.
It's tempting to start with yes to show you agree. But Do you mind…? literally asks “Do you object?”, so Yes means “yes, I object”. Together with I don't mind it's a contradiction, so only the first word changes: No, I don't mind.
I don't care can also mean “it doesn't matter to me”, but it sounds harsh, as if the question doesn't interest you. When asked to choose, the polite reply is I don't mind. And Don't mind me means “don't pay attention to me”: Don't mind me, I'm just getting my coat.
Your turn
I don't mind ___ the early train if it means we arrive before lunch.
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taking — After mind, a verb takes -ing: I don't mind taking. To take isn't used after mind, although after want or agree you do use to: I want to take.
A colleague asks to swap shifts with you. Write a reply: agree using I don't mind and name one condition.
I don't mind swapping shifts with you on Friday, as long as you cover my Monday morning shift.
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