This is actually a follow up post to one I posted a while back. The premise of the original post was the difference between “you’re welcome” versus “no problem” in response to someone’s thank you. I had someone follow up with an email stating that saying “you’re welcome” sounds too formal to them. However, in a world where everything goes, a little formality isn’t a bad thing, and it’s a mindset I hope to change. That being said, there isn’t actually anything formal about saying “you’re welcome.”
Responding with “no problem” indicates you feel the thanker thought him or herself to be a bother or problem to you. You’re consoling them. This can put the thanker on the defense, wondering if he or she was truly a problem and you’re simply being kind. It’s a negative response. Let’s think of the alternatives: You’re welcome. It was my pleasure. I was happy to do so. These are all responses in the positive form, leaving the thanker with a pleasant memory and experience of the interaction. If you’re in the business world, this is vital. If you are in the social world, it can make or break you.
I speak from experience when I say that people will take you more seriously when you give a more sincere, positive response to their thanks. I hope this summarizes up enough for most readers to understand the importance of a positive response that they will reconsider the passé “no problem.” As always, thank you for reading!