I'M not sure what the definition of pet peeve is. Mosty because I don't think I've ever had one...until now. So, I'm guessing it is a common human behaviour that is accepted by the masses but iirritates the heck out of you. If you're interested, here's mine.
At the risk of sounding like my parents......"I remember the day when... saying Thank you" to someone resulted, "You're welcome" or "My Pleasure". I am peeved by the ubiquitous replacement of those two niceties by "No problem". Really? It's no problem? I am thrilled beyond belief that my purchasing one of your products or services or paying you for doing your job has not caused too much of an inconvenience. I'm just hoping it won't be a problem if I come back.
Where did that phrase come from? It has crept into our lives. It has permeated the service and hospitaltiy industry where we most need to sound appreciative of client and customers. And telling someone that their patronage has not created a problem seems like a negative take on their decision to use our services.
I haven't resorted to voicing my 'pet peeve' to the person who delivered the "no problem' response. Mostly because I would be ranting too many times in a day and would most likely be met with eye rolls, raised eyebrows and pitiful glances and requests for my weekend pass.
But, please tell me I am not alone in this. And I know it's not all about the "younger generation." I see and hear this from every age group. The other day a wonderful man in his later years held the door for me at a mall. I said "Thank you". He said.....you guessed it, "No problem."
I would prefer to think that the offering of a common, albeit, forgotten civility was more of a pleasure than the 'lack of a problem'. And likewise with choosing to spend my money and my time on a service or business. That choice I made would be met with gratitude and appreciation instead of assuring me I have not put anyone out, or inconvenienced their day.
I want to send a nod of appreciation to whomever is in charge at the PetroCan station in Elmsdale, NS. I know you can't do much about the gas prices, but at least when I choose to spend my dollars there and say thank you to the clerk, I am rewarded with, "MY PLEASURE". Doesn't that sound so much better than "NO PROBLEM". Doesn't it?