Why? Think about it.
I hold the door open for some woman. It’s pouring rain and freezing cold, but I wait, go out of my way to perform this chivalrous deed. Genuinely appreciative, she tosses me a warm, hearty smile and a vociferous, “Thank you so much!”
That’s all that is necessary. I performed a deed, and you re-payed it in the best way you could given time and situational constraints. I don’t need to then pay you back for that repay.
I mean, if I go buy a pair of new shoes, I give the cashier money of some form, he gives me the shoes, and the transaction is done. I am not obligated to give the store or that cashier anything in return for that service, except maybe a Thank You.
Same concept here folks. Plus, You’re Welcome has the potential to get us all caught in some nasty feedback loop of giggling niceties. See this short play:
Party 1 has performed a good deed for Party 2.
Party 2: Thank You
Party 1: You’re Welcome
Party 2: (thinking, what should I say now) Um, thank you, uh, for saying you’re welcome (a nervous giggle occurs)
Party 1: Oh, you’re very welcome (tee hee hee, another giggle, just not as nervous)
Party 2: Thank you (hahahaaha)
Stop it! See what I mean?
Now, I’m not advocating eradicating the phrase completely from our lexicon. It’s still viable when you want to offer something to someone:
Party 1: Hey man, can I borrow this can of shaving cream?
Party 2: You’re welcome to it, bro!
Do a quick web search regarding etymology, and it becomes quite clear that no one really knows how You’re Welcome was chosen as a response the powerful Thank You.
So, let’s do ourselves a favor and stop the madness!
Are you with me? Thank you.
You’re welcome…to reply!
No comments:
Post a Comment