I'm not sure when it happenned, but somewhere along the line people have stopped saying "thank you." More and more I've noticed that "Have a nice day" or "Have a good one" has replaced the simple "Thank you" at most businesses.
I've noticed that I am often the one saying thank you instead of the clerk that just waited on me. I'm not sure why. I know that I've handed them some money for service or swiped my debit card and then when they give me my change or receipt, I say, "Thank you." Am I thanking them for my change, my receipt or for them being there so that I can come in and spend my money? It's more likely that it's just that I was taught to be polite and when somebody hands me something I reply with a thank you.
Maybe business owners, managers and bosses have forgotten to tell their employees that they represent the business and when someone chooses to patronize their business over a competitor's, they are to thank them for choosing to spend their money with them. I think that common courtesy has become somewhat of an oxymoron. Courtesy is becoming less common in a me centered society.
I'm not sure if there is any real solution here other than for me (and you) to be courteous. I could be like my dad and respond to their "have a nice day" with a "your welcome." It makes a minor point but usually falls on deaf or ignorant ears.
In the end, I'm going to let this one go. It's pretty small in the grand scheme of things. I just needed a place to vent. That "Golden Rule" thing stands in the way of rudeness and retaliation once again.
John
They did a study in New York where a guy opened the door for 100 people. Out of those 100, only 12 said "thank you." Even worse, only 35 even acknowledged that he opened the door for them.
ReplyDeleteRich
Yes, I'm afraid you're right: "please" and "thank you" are gradually going the way of the passenger pigeon. I guess I don't mind the ubiquitous "have a nice day," but "have a good one" really grates on my ears. I keep wanting to respond, "have a good one of what?" I think I only hold back because Agnes would glare at me.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about this - today has been a weird day blogging most of the things I have thought I have come across in blogs - uncanny.
ReplyDeleteTo say thank you has been ingrained in me whether it is to a waiter getting me food or to a someone in a office. But people don't and worse still if you say thank you and please they take it as a sign that you're a pushover. It's a weird world these days.
I make it a point to say 'you're welcome' sarcastically to someone who does not say thank you to me.
I never even noticed that. Usually, I'm just so amazed that the cashier looked me in the eye to say SOMETHING. It just depends on what you're used to I guess. Unfortunately, in Palembang, the cashiers are always chatting with each other so they don't say a word to the customer. Not all of course but plenty of them.
ReplyDelete