Phrases like "I guess"

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i always prefer when people honestly say that they guess something to be true instead of proclaiming something as sure when, in fact, they only guess it to be true.

blindly accepting scientific method as truth or objective statement about truth drives me especially nuts.

I read a lot of Hume back in the day; so I usually use “usually”, “I think”, and “I guess” a lot; as well as similar words, phrases and statements. I guess I’m not really certain of anything except for events that have transpired, and not even then; a lot of things can usually be predicted with adequate accuracy, but doubt of the perfect truth is still there in my mind.

Mitch said it earlier and correctly in this thread without confusion (how I see it anyway).

" I guess" sometimes means " yes, but my heart isn't into it". Kinda like this:

" Do you wanna go to the game?" asked Tony.
"I guess." answered Mary.

(Mary will go to the game with Tony, but only because she has nothing else to do or is bored. She might also cancel the trip with Tony if she finds better plans or doesn't feel like being with Tony).

This would be the outcome if Mary were REALLY interested:

" Do you wanna go to the game?" asked Tony.
"Sure! I'd love to. When is it?" replied Mary.

That seems to be what "i guess" means to me.

I agree. People are leaning towards "yes," but don't want to commit themselves.

Reading over these posts, I think it can be used both ways. So really it means "I'm going along with it, but may or may not think it's correct". I think it can depend on the tone of voice.

That means it depends on the situation.

This causes me problems all of the time. I am usually busy on several other things in my mind when I get asked something like this. Then I just say, "I guess" or "whatever", because I know subconsciously I don't want to commit myself (let the authorities try to do that), but want to try to engage the person with a quick reply to meet their needs. Since this causes problems, I often don't say anything for 30-45 seconds as I actually think it out. "Do I want to do that?" "Am I available to do that?" "Are the Red Sox on during that time?" And on and on! To make a long story short, that technique doesn't work either as most people want a quick and concise answer. It's a no win situation.

I say "I guess" a lot...

It usually means that theyr ok with it.
However they aren't excactly thrilled about it.

When I ask "What do you think?" I want feedback because I'm not sure if I am on the right track or not.