Two words – “Okay, thanks” or another derivative “Thank you.” Why is it so difficult for some people to use those two words?
When you let someone cut in during a traffic jam, don’t you expect the other driver to give you “the wave”? It’s the universal “Thank You” signal from driver to driver. I don’t mind letting cars in once in a while – as I believe in that whole karma thing. But admittedly, I’ve heard myself utter “The wave. You’re supposed to do the wave.” if I happen to let a car sneak in front of me and I don’t get “the wave.” They’re just supposed to say “Thank You.”
Likewise if someone takes a moment to hold the door open for you – it’s assumed that you will utter “thank you” to the person who just took 8 seconds out of his or her day to ensure the door was not shut in your face.
The same goes for online etiquette. Why is it so difficult for some people to email you back after you provide a response to say, “Thank you” or “Okay, thanks.” I agree there comes a point where the email banter needs to come to a conclusion – thank you, no thank You, no really, thank You – that is a bit redundant. [Read more…] about Are Manners and Common Courtesy Obsolete?
