If There’s No Problem, Why are You Saying So?
I’m in a restaurant and ask the wait-person for something. When it’s delivered, I say – thank you. The wait-person’s response – No Problem.
I’m in the coffee shop for my morning cup. When it arrives – same routine. Thank You. No Problem.
I’m in the electronics store. A sales associate helps me with some information – thank you – no problem.
What’s up this no-problem response?
What ever happened to – My Pleasure?
When I ask a waiter, a sales associate or a business owner for assistance, I don’t expect it to be a problem for them to provide the service which they are being paid to provide.
No problem is one of those habitual, unconscious responses that on the surface seems positive, but really carries a subtle negative association in the mind.
No problem??? Is it a problem serving me? Is it a problem getting me the information I need to purchase a new laptop?
On the other hand, when I ask for the Dijon mustard and the wait-person provides it with a – my pleasure – I feel like my experience is a personal concern of this person. I feel welcomed, seen and considered.
No problem – can leave me wondering.
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4 responses to “No Problem is the Problem”
There is an online abbreviation for this: np
It is (currently) customary to end a live online exchange with:
thanx
np
Get with the program!
Karen – just another fine example of how no problem is running amok in a society beset by problems and a lack of positive feedback on the pleasure of service to others.
nc
no charge for this
“mp” requires the exact same amount of energy as “np” but carries with the the implied intonation that an exchange with another social creature was an actual pleasure and not some subliminal burden.
john, i agree with your estimation and always strive to be mindful in all my conversations, whether online or face-to-face.
3 mic – a good distinction