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

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

you can also say "no problem"

hope this helps, you're welcome

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

"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.

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.

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

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

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”.

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

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."

Language changes over time, and that's the new etiquette. Though No Problem tends to feel less compulsory to me and so I feel more genuine saying it. Enjoy the world as it changes, because it'll change just as much if you don't enjoy it

"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 usually like to run away when someone says "thanks!"

i use it sarcastically in normal conversations with friends

i use it seriously when replying to my bosses in a corporate environment.

Where I am from, saying thank you doesn't warrant a response. It's certainly something I heard when I took a trip to New York though.

I use "you're welcome" in customer service, but nowhere else. It somehow always just sounds stilted and clumsy, even though it's something everyone else has said fine for years.

Otherwise I usually just say "of course", because I feel like it's the same sentiment but rolls off the tongue easier.

Hmm, honestly the word itself is uncommon now, at least where I live. I wonder if that's related.

To me, by default "welcome" means to a place. "You're welcome to the cookies" sounds archaic or British or something.