The internet is currently embroiled in a spirited debate over the appropriate way to respond when someone expresses gratitude.
A group of American content creators has taken to making videos to elucidate why they don't typically use the phrase 'you're welcome' as a reply when someone thanks them, particularly in customer service scenarios.
Many argue that responding with 'you're welcome' can come across as impolite to some individuals, leading them to opt for alternative expressions.
TikTok user Arjuna, in a video clip, articulated, 'It can sometimes feel a little passive-aggressive. It has this implication of, "I know, you should be thanking me."'
Australian YouTube and content creator Georgia McCudden shared a now-deleted video that recounted her experience with a server while visiting the United States.
In her clip, Georgia recounted how she expressed gratitude after a restaurant employee provided her with ketchup, and the server's response was a simple "Mmhmm." Confused by this response, Georgia took to TikTok to express her bewilderment.
She remarked, 'I was like, "I beg your f**king pardon. She added: I'm sorry, I didn't know that was a big ask.'
Her TikTok post ignited a debate about both expressing gratitude excessively and how to appropriately respond to it.
According to American content creators, responding with 'you're welcome' when receiving thanks can be considered rude, presumptuous, and a little outdated.
As one content creator remarked in response to Georgia's video, It sounds like I'm forcing you to be thankful, or trying to one-up you.
Below this video, numerous users are discussing whether it's considered rude to say 'you're welcome' when thanked in a customer service setting. Some argue that one should just smile and say 'no problem.' However, others maintain that there is nothing wrong with saying 'you're welcome.
One person said: I've never met anyone who thinks it's rude to say "You're welcome." The vast, overwhelming majority of us say it freely. A handful of dunderheaded cyber-twits don't speak for a whole country.
A second wrote: I am an American. Where I live we say you're welcome after a thank you or something similar like "It's my pleasure" or "No problem". If a person forgets to say you're welcome though, it is not bad manners so long as they give A smile with a quick positive nod.
A third said: It is ALWAYS rude to not say thank you and you are welcome! Just because some were not taught manners, do not pass on your impoliteness. We already look bad enough to other countries!
Someone else said: Saying "you're welcome" isn't rude. It's just the opposite. It simply means that you've happily done a task or service for someone and would do it again if needed or asked. As in, you're welcome to my service again. It's a pleasant exchange. So, people are offended by this??!
