DEAR MISS MANNERS: I know this is going to sound nitpicky, but I get very slightly offended when I say “Thank you” to a server and they say “Of course.”
It just feels weird, like a brush-off. It feels like they’re saying, “Of course you are grateful.” This seems to be a new standard response, especially among young servers. Sometimes they even seem surprised by my gratitude.
I admit that I tend to be overly polite (yes, that is a thing), but I really am grateful when people help me/serve me, and I want them to know I appreciate them. What ever happened to “You’re welcome” or even a casual “You bet!”?
GENTLE READER: That nit is already over-picked by people who are offended by the response of “No problem.”
Miss Manners suggests that you think of “Of course” as short for “Of course I am honored to serve you.”
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website,
www.missmanners.com
; to her email,
; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Latest Advice Columns
-
Is anyone out there? We made 100 calls to state helplines to see who answered the phone.
-
Asking Eric: My wife told our son ‘the man should pay’ … he strongly disagreed
-
Dear Abby: Woman recovering from illness in rehab is told by husband he won’t be home when she gets there
-
Today’s daily horoscope for July 21, 2025
-
Asking Eric: My friend’s behavior is about to get her banned from the grocery store
