In American, " I don't care " means I'm happy with either possibility.

You can decide because I like both alternatives.

If we say, " I don't care " in British English, it probably means we're apathetic.

We're not interested.

" I don't care " sounds negative.

So what would you like for dinner, spaghetti or an omelet?"

Oh, I don't care.

" I don't care " is often rude in British English.

We'd say, " I don't mind."

What do you want for dinner, spaghetti or an omelet?

I don't mind.

What?

" I don't mind " makes no sense in American English.

It's the answer to the question, " Do you mind?"

Like, " Do you mind if I have the last cookie?"

You can answer, " No, I don't mind," or " Actually I want it."

But if I ask, " Do you want this or that?" and you answer " I don't mind,"

you 're answering a question I didn't ask, and it drives me crazy.

Would you like red wine or white wine?

I don't mind.

But which do you want?