[thechat] Pet Hate
Sabrina Dent, Apperception
sabrina.dent at appercept.co.uk
Tue May 24 17:42:25 CDT 2005
> -----Original Message-----
> From: thechat-bounces at lists.evolt.org
> [mailto:thechat-bounces at lists.evolt.org] On Behalf Of Sean German
>
> > Someone calls to visit. You naturally offer them a cup of tea. The
> > danger is that instead of a straight Yes or No, they may say:
> >
> > "If you're having one..."
>
> You've made a very good point. This seemingly minor
> annoyance is actually a symptom of a wide-spread social
> issue. People don't know (because they haven't been taught)
> how to be polite.
> A "thank you" is acknowledged with "not at
> all" or "no problem" rather than "you're welcome."
While I'm with you on the broad point, I reject the idea that "not at all"
is an inappropriate response to "thank you." Likewise, I think "no problem"
would be perfectly fine in casual conversation. I am not suggesting that we
treat our friends less politely than strangers but that our language can be
less formal. Why not?
--Sabrina
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Version: 7.0.322 / Virus Database: 266.11.15 - Release Date: 22/05/2005
More information about the thechat
mailing list