"No Problem" IS A Problem

My least favorite phrase these days is "no problem."

I have no issue with those two words; just when they are used in place of "you're welcome" as those of a certain (younger) generation tend to do.

And it's catching.

I'm one of those people who generally say "thank you," even in the most casual of circumstances. I'm always thanking someone for something, even if it's handing me change back (that belongs to me after I've made a purchase).

In those cases, I used to expect an "Oh, thank YOU" or a "You're welcome," both appropriate responses.

These days, I'm often getting a "no problem." I know it's the vernacular, but "no problem" is really having someone turn away your thank you, rather than accepting it and acknowledging it with a "you're welcome."

It's particularly bad when it's a sales associate representing a store where I've made a substantial purchase. Or in your own store, when a customer has bought a nice diamond and a younger sales associate has rung him up. Very bad.

On the plus side, this has made me really appreciate it when someone replies "you're welcome."

posted by Caroline Stanley @ 3:11 PM