DEAR ABBY: Where is it published that "you're welcome" should be replaced with, "No problem"? I never received that memo and, what's more, I don't think it makes sense.
I didn't intend to be "a problem" to anyone in the first place. So why am I not "welcome" now? It seems that parents and children have abandoned all forms of courtesy.
To those who still teach their children good manners, I say, "Thank you," and I hope you'll reply, "You're welcome." -- MANNERLY MOM IN CUMBERLAND, MD.
DEAR MANNERLY MOM: You have posed an interesting question. If I had to make a guess, it might be "you're welcome" carries a connotation that what you are thanking the person for might have been a burden or an imposition. "No problem" is meant to convey that it wasn't a burden.
While I agree that it can be jarring when you're expecting "you're welcome," English is an evolving language and, rather than becoming offended, perhaps you should be grateful that the person is trying to be gracious.