Asklemmy

Years ago, I had to do customer service training for a job, and one thing they said is to always say "you're welcome" instead of "no problem", because some people think "no problem" is rude. But I think it's a generational thing, and it's kind of the opposite with younger folks.

I see “no problem” as nicer. If I say that, I’m expressing that I really don’t mind, and there’s no need to thank me. No problem, as in I had no problem with doing this thing

“You’re welcome” feels more like “I appreciate you thanking me, because I went out of my way to do this”, if that makes any sense

Here's a response I've seen about this around the net for a while now that feels right.

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"Actually, the “you’re welcome/no problem” issue is simply a linguistics misunderstanding. Older ppl tend to say “you’re welcome,” younger ppl tend to say “no problem.” This is because for older people the act of helping or assisting someone is seen as a task that is not expected of them, but is them doing extra, so it’s them saying, ‘I accept your thanks because I know I deserve it.”

“No problem, however, is used because younger people feel not only that helping or assisting someone is a given and expected but also that it should be stressed that your need for help was no burden to them (even if it was).”

“Basically, older people think help is a gift you give, younger people think help is a requirement.”

https://didyouknowfacts.com/why-young-people-say-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome-and-why-older-people-hate-it/

you can say "you're welcome", its no problem

you can also say "no problem"

hope this helps, you're welcome

Languages change over time. As long as the intent is clear, don't get hung up on what is and isn't "correct". "You're welcome" probably was seen as extreme at some point itself.

I saw a post a while back that said millennials use "no problem" instead of "you're welcome" because no problem signifies the act was of little effort and was no problem to do. However, "you're welcome" implies entitlement, as in you are welcomed to my time and effort, or some shit. I don't remember, but yeah, just a "generational thing."

So yeah it's a "can I speak to your manager" boomer thing, as usual. Only group I ever see getting their panties in a wad over a phrase. Just like "Merry Christmas" changing to "Happy Holidays" erases their religion or dares to put other similar holidays, in the same approximate time of the year on equal footing, making their religious holiday less significant.

"You're welcome" was always taught to me as the proper thing, but sounds slightly stilted. They express the same sentiment, roughly, but "[it was] no problem" is arguably clearer about it. I personally just think it's a slightly "nicer" nuance.

Of course, sometimes maybe it actually was a problem, and then I'd only say it if going out of my way to be nice about it.

The appropriate response is that the debt must be repaid in kind, within the fortnight, lest their house fall into disrepute

I always go with 'No worries' or 'All good', because 'You're welcome' feels too formal for everyday conversations, plus as another comment mentioned it's a generational thing as well

Disclaimer: These are just my dumb thoughts with zero scientific evidence. Consider the opinion accordingly.

I think it's tied to how overwhelmed everyone is at all times now. Part of it is often "thanks" is said while someone is beelining out the door, so you don't often have an opportunity to even say "you're welcome." Further, "no problem" is far more indicative of "actually, you didn't inconvenience me at all by getting my help" in a society where everyone is absolutely time-starved due to overwork/underpay. It's saying to the person saying "thank you" that "it's okay to have minorly inconvenienced me, it was worth doing anyway."

Because yes, I am more likely to say "no problem" at this point than "you're welcome" because most of the time I am dispensing technical information and advice that people usually have to pay to get. That's the other aspect of it too, we've normalized that you have to pay to get anything decent (service or product) and so people offering technical skills and advice outside of a payment plan is definitely viewed differently.

"You're welcome" is valid but just doesn't play well in a fast-paced society where everyone expects to have to pay through the nose for decent help and generally doesn't have the time to give out those kind of favors themselves.

I think to a lot of younger people, "You're Welcome" is the thing one older person insisted you say when you absolutely do not actually mean it. So younger people have found something else to say when they actually do mean it.

I read somewhere a few years ago that the decline of "you're welcome" is due to a shifting in definitions or whatever- "you're welcome" has come to mean "you are always welcome to my free labor" whereas "no problem" says something more like "I don't have an issue spending my time on you."

Hey do you guys know what “you’re welcome” is in Spanish? “De Nada” which means “of nothing”. Sounds almost like, “no problem”.

This phrase isn’t new, either. It’s been around for centuries, just like the first instances of “you’re welcome”.

Most languages respond something like "it's nothing", de nada. English is a little weird saying "welcome".

i usually hit 'em with the classic "of course" or "anytime" because you're welcome feels too formal for most situations

“You’re welcome” is a silly colonial affectation. In British English you just shut up and smile.

I don't say it because you are, in fact, not welcome. I finish interactions with customers, even when they say thank you to me, by saying "thank you, have a nice day", as my non fireable version of "I'll thank you to kindly fuck off now."

It sounds more old fashioned every year. What does "your welcome" even mean. No problem makes more sense and feels more natural

Interestingly, Tom Scott did a video about this a few years ago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGnH0KAXhCw

Because the customer has become an entitled piece of shit and you don't tell an abuser "you're welcome."

It's just a phatic expression. It's largely a generational difference which one is considered the more polite one.

"My pleasure" is another alternative. I helped you because it makes me feel good, so you're doing me the favor.

Obsequious in a business setting, but nice in a social situation.

I'm a fan of the local nae bother from my country.

Personally, I like to make an assessment of my feelings toward the favor done. If I feel put upon, I give an "mhmm" or "yup". My enthusiastic response is usually "no problem!"

"You're welcome" implies you can ask for favors anytime, day or night, and feels a bit too prostrate. I'll say it to some people, but it almost feels like an "I love you" type of response, and I reserve it for when I really mean it. I don't say the words "you're welcome" casually. I kind of say them like you would say something deeply truthful to someone

While we're at it, what's up with young people saying "bless you"? I kinda thought that one would have fallen off with people under 35