Sunday, January 30, 2011

You're Welcome



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Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that people rarely say "you're welcome" any more. The response to a "thank you" is more likely to be "that's okay" or "no problem" or "you bet". The truth is, I started to notice myself saying "you bet" in response to a "thank you" which led me to notice that others were also using a more casual response.

I don't know the origin of the "you're welcome" response, but I take it to mean that you may, or that you are welcome to, ask for whatever you need and I will be glad to accomodate you. If someone says "no problem" I take it to mean that whatever they did for me could have been a problem, but fortunately was not. My own "you bet" response sounds like I'm just ready for you to go away now.

I know, I know, it's no big thing in the big picture and the idioms of a language tend to change over time. I guess I should just be glad that people still (usually) say "thank you".

What do you respond when someone says "thank you" to you?
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18 comments:

  1. gayleJanuary 30, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Your welcome!

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  2. Peace ThymeJanuary 30, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    I absolutely hate the response of "no problem." What the hell is that? When I thank a service person, the banker, the baker, the candlestick maker, I expect a "You're welcome" or nothing. Grrrr!

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  3. DebJanuary 30, 2011 at 6:41 PM

    I still say you're welcome, although sometimes I catch myself say ehmm (not sure how to spell that). I have noticed however that fewer people actually say you're welcome than not. I don't think "you bet" is in my vocabulary at all.

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  4. Karen DeborahJanuary 30, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    I can't remember at the moment. What I can remember is that when I was little my Danish grandmother liked to teach us a little Danish. I don't know how to spell it but it sounded like "tak fur mat" or thanks for the meal. Then the host or hostess would reply,"Vel bekompt" may it become you well.

    Now that I muddied up your head and gave you more to think about I'll just say, "your welcome," and skeeedaddle right outta here!

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  5. noexcusesJanuary 30, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    I'm guilty of saying "no problem" when I should be saying "you're welcome." Oh, well! I'll try harder!

    Good post!

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  6. Lisa @ Grandma's BriefsJanuary 30, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I'm sure I've said "no problem" many a time, but I try to say you're welcome just as often ... and will now think about it every time. Interesting food for thought. Thank you!

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    I've never said 'you bet' but always say you're welcome... it bugs me when people don't say 'bless you' when someone sneezes - not sure why!!

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  8. Donna B.January 31, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    I usually say, "You're welcome"...or "It's my pleasure"

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  9. Gutsy LivingJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Interesting observation Jeanie. At least you're not saying, "No prob!" or "No problema."

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  10. Chris HJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    I still say Your's Welcome.
    I have never ever said 'You Bet'!

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  11. grammyJanuary 31, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Now I will be listening more carefully.
    My Granddaughters have been taught to say, Thank you for having us."
    I always say "You're Welcome" as they pitter patter out the door. Today I nearly shut the door on them because it was letting in too much cold air (o:

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  12. Claudya MartinezJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:18 PM

    I say, "Get outta here!". No, I'll have to start paying attention. I think sometimes I say, "No worries".

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  13. CountryDreamingFebruary 1, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    Hail and well met! My vote goes to "You're welcome." Every little bit of politeness helps.
    :-)

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  14. Melissa B.February 1, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    You're right. Some folks are just downright rude! As Barney would say, "Please and thank you...they're called the 'magic' words"!

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  15. JeannetteLSFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:39 PM

    I think I say "you're welcome," and sometimes I say the outrageously old-fashioned "my pleasure." One of my friends and I were just noticing this a couple of weeks ago. And so I say Thank you for the blog. I shall be returning, for sure.

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  16. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    I still say 'You're welcome'. In Swedish, they're pretty good at using their equivalent...

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  17. KayFebruary 2, 2011 at 1:57 AM

    Oh yes! I think I even did a post many, many moons ago about this very topic. I really, really don't like to hear, "No problem" for the exact same reason! I try to say, "My pleasure." I may on occasion also say, "You're very welcome."

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  18. JeanieFebruary 3, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    Hmmm. Interesting observation. I think it depends on the situation -- sometimes I say "You're welcome." Sometimes, if it's very casual, I'll say, "Sure!" or "Anytime." Sometimes I thank them back. Sometimes if it's really a small little thing and someone I know well, I might say "no problem."

    Yup. Situation specific. But one thing is for sure -- a reply of some sort is required!

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