Thankyou For Your Thanks

Expressions of gratitude.

- Clifford Martis

What do we say when someone thanks us? It appears that we do not know what exactly to say or do. Most often we simply keep quiet or mumble something giving an impression that we are embarrassed. Isn’t it a strange thing?

Some people say “It’s Okay” or “It’s all right”. This is not a very nice way of responding to an expression of gratitude, is it? Moreover it is not entirely clear what “It’s Okay” really means because when someone says “sorry” also, we use the same response.

A few other people started using a different phrase. “Don’t mention it.” The meaning seems to be simple. You are grateful. I understand. There is no need to mention it. I remember a joke. A child went to a birthday party. Her mother told her to thank the hostess while taking a leave. When the child came back the mother asked her “Did you thank aunty dear?” “No, mummy,” said the child. “Just as I was going to do it another child thanked her and aunty said, “Don’t mention it.”