Stupid things that instantly piss you off

[Deborajen]

I don't understand why "no problem" is such a bad response to "thank you." When the doctors I work for give me a task and say "thanks, Deb," I tell them "no problem" meaning that I'm glad to help - no bothers, no worries - feel free to ask again. But I usually say, "no problem - glad to do it" or something along those lines, and I say it with a smile and with some enthusiasm to make it clear that I mean it. They've always looked pleased with that response, or at least I've read it that way (and I still have a job after almost 15 years!).

Other languages have responses that, if taken literally, could sound different. In Spanish, "gracias" is replied with "de nada" which means "it was nothing." In German, "danke" is replied with "bitte" which is used for both "please" and "you're welcome."

Tone makes a lot more difference to me than what is actually said. Lots of people say "thaaaanks" or "pffffth - well, thanks" and it's obviously not sincere. I'll take a "no problem" over an obviously condescending "why, you're most certainly WELCOME" any day.

[Eden]

I don't understand why "no problem" is such a bad response to "thank you."

+1 - I don't get why it should be annoying either..... (and I'm pretty sure I say it often... I think I may also respond with "any time" or something similar too) as long as the response is sincere.

I guess I'm just more informal than most.... I don't actually care to be thanked by store clerks.... as long as they are pleasant and helpful I don't need them to thank me - they helped me after all....... I think its kind of ah, presumptuous of me to expect to be thanked just for shopping somewhere... like I'm somehow giving them the gift of a job by shopping there or something. Kind of makes me feel icky.