How often do you hear the phrase, “No problem” in response to an expression of gratitude? Lately I’ve noticed that “No problem” is winning in popularity over “My pleasure” or “You’re welcome” and I feel impressed to make a mention here and to eradicate it from my vocabulary as well. I’ll tell you why…
When we respond with “No problem” to someone thanking us it may appear that we aren’t fully accepting their gratitude. In fact, when I was sincerely thanking someone last week and he said “No problem” I had to say, “No, really…I really appreciate it. I want you to understand how much your kindness meant to me.” When he repeated “No problem” for the second time it felt like I had to keep saying thank you because he didn’t allow me to fully express my appreciation. Plus, on some level the “No problem” response subconsciously makes us wonder…”was it really a problem to help me out? will it be a problem next time?” if I have to wonder perhaps I’ll think twice about asking for a favor in the future.
Am I the only one who believes we should go back to traditional phrases such as “You’re welcome” or “My pleasure”? I think “My pleasure” expresses the most joy and enthusiasm for serving. What are your thoughts?
Kelly King Anderson is the Founder of Startup Princess. She can be reached by commenting on this post or on twitter @startupprincess
I completely agree with you….”no problem” seems to minimize the thing that you are being thankful for. I think that “my pleasure” is much nicer!
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Thanks! I always say no worries. I am going to change it to my pleasure. I agree it captures how I feel about customer service. Thanks for your thoughts.
What a sad way to think about this. Sorry if, after doing that nice thing for you, you don’t approve how I say “you’re welcome.”
Why is “problem” a problem, but “pleasure” isn’t?
“Was it REALLY a pleasure? I know you went out of your way to do this nice thing for me, but . . . I don’t appreciate how you RESPONDED to my show of gratitude.”
That, I’m afraid, is plain rude.
What’s next?
“Drive safe.”
“Oh, I don’t like to drive safes. They’re heavy. Oh, you meant drive safeLY? Yes, I will do that, thanks.”
Maybe a change in how you interpret the “no problem” is in order. Maybe “no problem” means “Hey, fellow human being. I acknowledge your gratitude, but really, this is nothing to thank me for, because it’s something that every human being should do for every other human being. I need neither payment nor thanks, but I do accept your need to thank me. But really, no thanks is necessary.”
Because really, THAT’S what I mean.
Trust me, if you annoyed me with your request, I would not say “no problem.” I’d say “you’re welcome”.
And you’d know the difference.