when i say “thank you” the proper response should be “you’re welcome.” saying “it’s my pleasure” is the only thing other than “you’re welcome” that comes close to being proper.

“don’t worry about it,” “no biggie,” “anytime,” “sure,” “no problem” or any of their variations are not traditionally correct. they are flippant, insincere and unnecessarily casual. they only mean that the speaker has acknowledged your thanks, not that he or she appreciated it.

what’s wrong with pleasantry? are we so full of ourselves that we can’t be bothered to learn (or, as parents, teach) the rules? our world is devolving into a land devoid of etiquette, politeness and basic manners. common courtesy is going the way of letter writing and i grow increasingly weary of it.