Today it's a societal rant. Everyday Guilty fights a Battle Royale that I constantly lose.
No, it's not my weight, although that's a endless struggle of titanic proportions.
No, it's not business development. We consistently win that competition with a superior product and world class service.
No, it's not joy of being almost sixty years old in a youthful world. I continually savor each part of life's amazing journey.
It's the never ending assault on the human handshake of "Thank you" and "You're welcome." That exchange has been replaced at the retail counter by "Thank you" and the Slackerish response of "No Problem." I feel like saying,"Of course it's no problem, it 's your job to assist me with my checkout." This disinterested attitude is unfortunately a sign of our troubled times. Yes, it's generational and yes, it's tragic.
Don't get me wrong, there is definitely an appropriate time to say "No problem." For example, during a lunchtime delivery of our delicious food, someone thoughtfully holds the door open for me. I am most appreciative of their assistance and I quickly let them know how helpful they have been. "Thank you very much," I remark and they often reply "No problem." This is proper use of the "No problem" response. It was not their job to hold the door open, it was their sense of humanity. That interaction is always an uplifting moment.
Times change and language evolves, but giving respect is always a constant. Great manners and kind gestures are always a Guilty Pleasure.
