No Problem
February 10, 2009 at 7:48 am
I have a problem with the amount of times people say ‘no problem’ in the service industry in this country!
How many times a day do you get people saying ‘no problem’ to you?
Call me a cantankerous old cow, but I take offense at having the notion that I am a problem at all introduced into the transaction. If I’m sitting in your establishment ordering a coffee and, let’s face it, business isn’t as brisk as it used to be, I’d appreciate if you just said “Yes Coming Right Up” rather than “No Problem”.
I am not a problem when I am imparting money to you.
If this is one of those things that’s been imported from the USA, well isn’t it a pity that the corresponding pleasantry of “You’re Welcome” didn’t come with it?
File this under Observations: Narky but True
Comments (5 responses)
Its interesting that you bring this up now. I do tend to say ‘No problem’ a bit. I’m currently reading one of Bill Cullens books and he mentions this phrase too and his dislike of it.
Im trying not to say it anymore in favour of something like ‘My pleasure’.
@gordon. Wow so the great Bill Cullen and I have something in common! Nice choice – “My Pleasure”. I think that’s a perfect substitute.
I just did a search of my correspondence with you…And wouldn’t you know…oh dear, I say that a great deal, though I agree with you in spades.
Perhaps I can blame it on watching far too much Alf while growing up.
@kevin It’s different when it’s an American speaking!
I read somewhere recently that someone’s response to ‘no problem’ in a restaurant was ‘I didn’t think there would be!’ – LOVE IT!
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