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In reply to the discussion: 22 Common Phrases We All Secretly Hate [View all]aint_no_life_nowhere
(21,925 posts)The overwhelming number of people I say 'thank you' to, whether on the phone or in a store, say "no problem" in response. It's such an uncivilized phrase compared to what I used to hear, such as "don't mention it", "it was my pleasure", or "you're welcome". "No problem" to me seems like they're saying "well I didn't really enjoy interacting with you and you're just another statistic I have to deal with in my daily life, but at least I didn't have to go out of my way for you and your thankfulness means nothing to me". Maybe they don't appreciate my saying 'thank you' and modern life has estranged people from each other. In that case I would prefer honest silence instead of something mechanical and un-neighborly like "no problem".
Another expression I've hated throughout my life is "can't we just be friends? I'm sure one day you'll find someone who's right for you." I'm still waiting, lol. Of course she doesn't want to be friends and brutal honesty would have been much more appreciated, at least for me.