With all of the letters published in The Herald over the last month regarding manners, you’d think this problem rates up there with feeding and housing the homeless in Everett.
It’s my opinion that any display of courtesy cannot and should not be a bad thing, no matter how it’s said. Even at my age, I don’t like being called sir by a young woman, but I understand that courtesy displayed is always a good thing, no matter how my ego feels about it. I also understand the political correctness that has infiltrated our world of good manners and common sense like a cancer in our society.
The one thing I do have trouble with is the phrase “no problem,” which I hear more and more in our service industry every day. From the common barista to the server at the restaurant, I shiver in my seat when someone in the world of customer service says these words. When I’m their customer, it’s their job to fulfill my request – as long as I’m not rude or out of line.
I’m wondering why anyone would say the words “no problem.” Is it because my request is occasionally a problem, but not today? Could it be they’re way too busy with more important requests other than mine? Or is it because so many people say things and don’t really think about what they mean or how someone might be offended? What happened to “thank you” or “you’re welcome”? What happened to “my pleasure” or “as you wish”? What about something simple like, “certainly”?
It’s funny how the world of customer service has seemed to slip into darkness under the guise of “no problem.” If my request is really “not a problem,” then show a little common courtesy when telling me so.
Ken Hopstad
Marysville
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