Page 60 - Robeson Living Spring 2022

What Happened to “You’re Welcome”?

By Shea Ann DeJarnette, Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent

Several years ago, I wrote an article titled “Saying Thank You nizing your graciousness or assistance.
is Not a Sign of Weakness.” It is an article that, according
to our website, folks still read today. So that made me think Come to modern day language, and there are several substitutes
about the natural response to saying thank you, and should be, for the phrase when someone says “thank you.” “Anytime,”
“you’re welcome.” It is a phrase that seems to have almost “happy to help,” and “no problem” are all phrases that mean
disappeared and has been replaced by “sure thing,” “anytime,” almost the same thing. However, sometimes people will take
and “happy to.” Even I find myself saying “no problem” or offense when hearing some of these because they feel it is too
“happy to help” instead of “you’re welcome” these days. All informal, the person is blowing them off, or gloating that what
are good responses, but what happened to “you’re welcome”? they did was no big deal for them (inference it was a big deal
for you) with the response. At one business seminar I attended I
Apparently, the phase became rather controversial. Imagine was told when someone said “thank you,” your response should
that. If you could hear the sarcasm come off that last remark, be, “You would do the same for me,” inferring the person was
you might have an inkling as to why this has happened. The then in your debt. I’m pretty sure when we start subtly invok-
theory is, through mainstream media, the phrase “you’re wel- ing such quid pro quo in statements such as that, we have un-
come” has been portrayed so frequently with sarcasm, the gen- doubtedly left the point of our simple etiquette phrases, which,
eral population thought the phrase was a form of gloating or according to the Emily Post Institute, is to communicate with
rude. Certainly, it has moved from its original roots of gra- consideration, respect, and honesty.
ciousness or letting someone know you appreciate their recog-
Page 60 Robeson Living ~ Spring 2022