A Rant and a Blog Break
Maybe I heard too many “Afwan”s in response to “Shukran”s. Maybe I am old-fashioned, or too sensitive, or too linguistically picky, but I hate hearing, “No problem,” in response to, “Thank you.”
The best response is, and always has been, “You’re welcome.”
The meaning of, “You’re welcome,” is this: I am pleased to have helped you. I will be pleased to help you again. You have not inconvenienced me. You have given me a chance to serve you, and I am enriched.
Whether or not the sentiment true is irrelevant; good manners serve to ease the interactions between people who would inconvenience others, even slightly. Good manners serve to encourage cooperation so that needs are met efficiently. Good manners breed respect between people who fulfill their responsibilities toward others, regardless of how they fulfill them.
The meaning of, “No problem,” is: I encountered no problem in helping you, so you needn’t feel guilty in asking. Had I encountered a problem, I might not have helped you, and if I had, you would be in my debt.”
Now, which response endears you to others? Which response opens the way for further interactions? Which response would you rather hear from others when you say, “Thank you.”?
Your mother has spoken! 🙂
Now, today I am going back up North to our cottage in the woods for the last time this year. I won’t have an Internet connection, so I’ll be busy doing writing, photography, walking in the woods, and sitting next to the fire in the evenings. See you next week!
Marahm 
Thanks ‘mum’! 😆 I will bear this in mind. :mrgeen:
I am a bit late reading this and by now you should be enjoying your peace and relaxation, nevertheless have a lovely break and I hope you remember to take lots of nice photographs to share. 🙂
I must be honest, I am quilty of the no problem-response:-( Will think twice now;-)
Waw, that should be a very peaceful place.. May you enjoy so much..
Enjoy your break 🙂
Well, honestly, I just appreciate getting any kind of response at all. After living in South Florida for so many years, where many workers never even smiled or greeted me when I was up at the check out line, and the only words that came out of their mouths was how much I needed to pay them, getting a “No problem” would have been nice! I think parents have really dropped the ball in teaching manners and common courtesy to their kids, and that’s the problem.
I thought that 3afwan meant literally: “Pardon”, because we also say it when we’re about to say something rude, like, “3fawn, F*#K!!!”
So the whole context of the phrase actually meant, “Please, I’m humbled to serve you and do not deserve your thanks.”
…did that translate worse than the way you puddit?
*grins*
Thank you all for your comments. Yes, Hning, 3afwan can mean “pardon” in the sense of “excuse me”. It does not literally translate to, “You’re welcome,” but for my purposes in contrasting the polite reponse to, “Thank you,” it worked well.
I had a wonderful four days at the cottage. The trees are starting to turn, and the air is cool and without too many insects. I took dozens of photos.