Is there something that absolutely drives you crazy? I hope so. That would mean that I am not alone. The source of my irritation might sound petty to you, and I admit that it sort of is. But it grates on my nerves! However, after researching the topic for this blog, I found out that my perception is inaccurate.
When someone says, “Thank you“, to you, how do you respond? Do you say, my pleasure, no problem, of course, you’re welcome, or any other acceptable way of expression? What do you expect others to say in response to you saying, “thank you“?
Being old school, I expect to hear the traditional you’re welcome. But it seems most of the time, I am confronted with the responses my pleasure or of course. To be honest, it was my opinion that both responses were born out of “wokefulness.” Both seemed to take the emphasis off the other person and put it back on the one responding.
Prior to my research, I thought we had a famous chicken restaurant to thank for the response my pleasure. Another incorrect preconception I had was that the phrase you’re welcome has been around much longer than responses I thought were more “contemporary”. Not so.
The phrase you’re welcome comes from the word “welcuma”, which means “welcome guest”. It was not found in the dictionary until around 1907 when it became an accepted response to thank you, but it was found in some literature before that. Some say that over the years, this phrase has become somewhat of a gloat and sometimes is used as sarcasm.
The phrase my pleasure actually appeared in the 16th century and is derived from the word “pleasance” which means “delight or gratitude” and communicates that you are happy to help. This phrase is spoken in other cultures, and it is translated to mean no problem or with pleasure. So, unless the popular chicken restaurant is centuries old, I do not think they coined the expression.
My original goal with this blog was to convince you that the phrase you’re welcome should be reinstated as the only polite and respectful response. However, after reading about all the responses, I say—respond with whatever phrase you desire!
Perhaps the actual phrase is not what is important. Perhaps it is the way in which it is said and the intention of our hearts.
Whichever phrase you choose, it acknowledges the expression of gratitude and validation of the other person; it shows politeness because it is an expected response and shows good manners; it reciprocates by accepting their gratitude graciously and creates a cycle of kindness and good will; and it reinforces positive feelings between individuals (source unknown). Just be careful in how you say it. And if someone uses a phrase you do not prefer, give them grace. I will.
(You’re welcome!)