# People, mostly older, who get peeved by retail and service workers saying "No problem" instead of "You're welcome" **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 6, 2024, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517 "2024-03-06T02:47:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/21 "2024-03-06T08:30:55Z")
In my region I’ve noticed in medical offices it’s become quite typical to use first names when they summon you in from the waiting room. At one of the offices I used to go to in California, they had posted a notice announcing this and explaining the reason for why; though I honestly can’t remember what the reason was, it made good sense to me. I’ve lived almost my entire life on the West Coast, where it’s definitely a culture of first names, even in corporate offices. ---
**Author:** ![actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e79b87/32.png) [@actualliberalnotoneofthose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/actualliberalnotoneofthose)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/22 "2024-03-06T08:43:59Z")
I expect you youngsters to tell me to have a blessed day and the pleasure was all yours. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/23 "2024-03-06T08:56:02Z")
No, but I do get annoyed when service workers call me “boss”. I’m not your “boss”, chief. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/24 "2024-03-06T09:12:55Z")
> [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#): > > At one of the offices I used to go to in California, they had posted a notice announcing this and explaining the reason for why; though I honestly can’t remember what the reason was, it made good sense to me. Depending on the part of town, I can imagine that calling out a common Hispanic last name (Ramirez, for instance) would have a good chance of getting multiple responses. > [@msmith537](#): > > I’m not your “boss”, chief. I’m not your chief, buddy! ---
**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 9:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/25 "2024-03-06T09:36:45Z")
[Previous thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replying-no-problem-when-someone-asks-a-favor/821830) on the same topic. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 9:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/26 "2024-03-06T09:47:11Z")
> [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#): > > (2) Does something parallel to this exist in other languages or cultures? I think this is just a specific example of a broader phenomenon of people getting annoyed about an aspect of life or culture that changed within the course of their lifetime. Change happens continuously, but once you have lived a certain amount of time, you start to notice the accumulation of change that has been occurring since you started looking, and since you are the main character in your own narrative, it’s somewhat natural to regard this as _everything changing around you when it didn’t need to change and why couldn’t it be like it always was?_ Reality: there never was a state where it _always was_. Change happens continuously. ---
**Author:** ![ColdBrew50](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9a140/32.png) [@ColdBrew50](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ColdBrew50)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/27 "2024-03-06T10:20:18Z")
Some bit I heard somewhere a long time ago. “Thank you!” — “No problem” “Why should it be a problem? The correct reply is ‘You’re welcome,’ among civilized folk, young man!” — “Sir, I wish to thank you.” “You’re welcome, young man!” — “Why shouldn’t I be welcome?” Something like that, probably some stand-up comedian’s little riff or something like that. ---
**Author:** ![Eric1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3bc359/32.png) [@Eric1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eric1)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/28 "2024-03-06T11:00:54Z")
Any greeting or graciousness works for me but I don’t actually expect any remarks at all from gas station clerks or Wal-Mart cashiers. The phrase I tend to use is ‘take care now’ with a look in the eye. I guess it implies it would be secretly be an epic thrill if the customer came back instead of ordering things online. I say it to anyone I’ve seen more than twice in my life. ---
**Author:** ![Tzigone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/29 "2024-03-06T11:39:58Z")
> [@Chessic\_Sense](#): > > Respect is earned? But you’re entitled to it by virtue of your age? I don’t follow, Greg. I absolutely agree. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/30 "2024-03-06T11:45:48Z")
I’m 62. So long as the intent behind the words is polite, moderately interested, and moderately friendly, I don’t care what is said. Life is too goddamned short and uncertain to stress about petty shit. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/31 "2024-03-06T12:12:27Z")
I think “no problem” has its place but, like many words or phrases that are in vogue, it can be over used. Sometimes I get a request for a complex setup in, say, Cafe 1, and the requestor is hesitant or even worried that the request is going to be a big issue. In a case like that, I might reply, “Sure, no problem! It’ll be ready for you on time.” On the other hand, if I’m receiving my morning coffee with thanks, “no problem” just doesn’t fit. I mean, I would hope to God that getting a cup of coffee at Starbuck’s or Dunin’ Donuts wouldn’t be a problem. LOL ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/32 "2024-03-06T12:20:48Z")
The first time I heard it I was a bit taken aback. Then a friend did me a favor, I thanked her, and she replied “no problem” and I realized there was no disrespect intended. Now it sounds normal. ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/33 "2024-03-06T12:39:53Z")
No issue with the “No problem” statement. But, is anyone else getting a little tired of the constant repetition of “perfect” after every interaction? This is getting on my nerves a bit, as it seems to be the default response when I answer any question of waitstaff, medical folk, and phone help lines. Curious if this is happening elsewhere, or is just a local phenomenon. PA: “Whats your date of birth?” Me: “xx/xx/xx” PA: “PUrrrr-fect, now can I have your insurance card?” Me: _hands over card_ PA: “PUrrrrrrr-fect, now what about…” and on and on. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/34 "2024-03-06T12:41:57Z")
> [@Crafter\_Man](#): > > [Previous thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/replying-no-problem-when-someone-asks-a-favor/821830) on the same topic. Seeing as I replied EIGHT FREAKING TIMES in the previous thread, I think I should have no problem staying out of this one. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/35 "2024-03-06T12:53:56Z")
Nope, I hear it everywhere, and frankly I probably use it too. Doesn’t bug me. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/36 "2024-03-06T12:55:45Z")
My preference these days is to say “My pleasure!” or “Pleasure!” as a brief and different response. > [@Duckster](#): > > But call me by my first name when you’re younger than me, performing a service for me, and we’ve never met before, … well, that’s a problem. Respect is earned. I wouldn’t dream of calling someone older than me by their first name, unless I have been introduced as such. If a college professor stands up in front of class and says “Please call me Robert” then I’ll oblige, but it would still feel strange. I can’t call “Pastor Joe” just “Joe” even if he insists. Some things just aren’t done! I’ll also hold the door open for you, male or female, young or old, if you are close behind me. I won’t make you do the twenty-yard-dash to get to the awkwardly-held-open door either. All my life I have heard rumors of this being an offensive act to some, but I have not yet encountered such a person. If I’m feeling particularly nice I will hold the door open for you even though it means you will walk into a place of business and get in front of me in line. Most people aren’t so bold and will walk in but still let me go ahead. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/37 "2024-03-06T12:56:12Z")
I hear " No problem" as a gesture of humility, downplaying their own act of kindness. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/38 "2024-03-06T13:05:43Z")
> [@CairoCarol](#): > > I am skeptical that there are battalions of old people out there shaking their aged fists in rage because someone said “no problem” instead of “you’re welcome” to them. But if there are, they need to chill. Ditto. > [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#): > > In my region I’ve noticed in medical offices it’s become quite typical to use first names when they summon you in from the waiting room. When my sister was a medical receptionist, she called the men “Mr. Lastname” and the women “Firstname” because she was afraid she’d use the wrong title for women. That was before “Ms” had really caught on, and it offended some women. I reamed her for that, but she probably ignored me. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/39 "2024-03-06T13:22:21Z")
Same age group and I too find it hard to understand getting bothered by “No Problem”. ---
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517/40 "2024-03-06T13:22:53Z")
> [@pullin](#): > > But, is anyone else getting a little tired of the constant repetition of “perfect” after every interaction? I’m tired of it when “perfect” doesn’t make any sense- giving you my date of birth or insurance card isn’t perfect. If I’m making the next appointment and I ask if Tuesday at 11 is available , hearing “perfect” in response makes more sense. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-mostly-older-who-get-peeved-by-retail-and-service-workers-saying-no-problem-instead-of-youre-welcome/998517.md?page=3)