“You’re most welcome.”ĭon’t get us wrong: “‘You’re welcome’ is a great response,” insists etiquette expert Lizzie Post, author of the new Emily Post’s Etiquette-The Centennial Edition. And get ready for more thanks, because there’s no greater gift than knowing you’ve got someone you can count on if you just say the word. But if you sincerely would always be happy to pick up their kid or walk their dog, let them know. “Any time!”ĭon’t say it if you don’t mean it. This beautiful catchphrase comes courtesy of Swann, who explains, “It’s a grateful statement that allows the conversation to continue and therefore just deepens the relationship and the expression of gratitude.” Keep it in your back pocket for situations where someone thanks you for being at their event, hosting a gathering for them, or being on their team in some way, whether they’re grateful to you for standing up at their wedding or as a colleague at work. It acknowledges that you heard their thanks, and also implies that you wouldn’t think of not doing it, and you’d do the same again in a similar situation. You open a door for someone, pick up the paper they dropped, tuck in the tag sticking up out of their sweater. “This is for something that’s almost a mundane action that doesn’t involve a lot of effort on your part,” says Elaine Swann, etiquette expert and founder of the Swann School of Protocol. Was it helpful? Did it make them feel good?” Then she tailors her response: “I’m glad it made a difference to you.” “Of course!” When someone says “Thank you” to her, says Niro Feliciano, cognitive psychotherapist and author of This Book Won’t Make You Happy, “I like to think about why it was meaningful to that person. This phrase lets them know you’re happy for them, and for yourself. Your effort made their life a little-or a lot-easier. You shared your secret to negotiating for a salary or dealing with a difficult boss-or just gave your time to water someone’s plants while they were away. “I’m so glad it was helpful!”Ī variation on the above, this works when you offered a service or kindness rather than a gift. (“I wasn’t sure it was your color,” or “It reminded me of our trip to Yellowstone in 10th grade.”) Now a gift exchange isn’t just a transaction it’s an interaction that reinforces and celebrates your connection. You might share the story of picking it out. It’s not just a nicety it’s a way to keep a dialogue going. ![]() “I’m so glad you liked it!”Įxtra-handy this time of year, this gem works when someone thanks you for a present. If the kindness you extended was a truly enjoyable experience for you, say so. ![]() You baked your famous chocolate chip cookies for someone and loved doing it. ![]() You helped your elderly neighbor bring in the groceries. This phrase lets the thanker know that they brought you joy by letting you be of service. “Happy to!”ĭelighting someone else is one of the great pleasures of being human. These alternative phrases are breezy yet gracious and imbue the most common-and often throwaway-of exchanges with a touch of warmth and intention. But in language, as in life, it’s nice to mix things up. “You’re welcome” is the human auto-response, even from the littlest humans. Any nursery school student knows what to say when someone thanks them for something, whether it’s sharing the blocks or passing the pretzels.
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