The correct (by that I mean equally polite) response to someone who says ‘Thank You’ to you is ‘You’re welcome’. I’m pretty sure that most of us learned this from our parents before we were out of diapers. Now this response can easily be substituted with a number of similar alternatives, such as ‘No Problem’, ‘Glad to help’, ‘Anytime’, and so on.

What I would like to make clear is that the phrase ‘Uh-Huh’ is NOT an appropriate response to someone who says ‘Thank You’. It’s a grunt. A barely verbal acknowledgment that the person speaking to you does indeed exist, and has spoken to you, but that’s about the extent to which it communicates.

If I say ‘Thank You’ to someone, genuinely expressing IN WORDS the fact that I appreciate their help, I would like to receive a little bit more civility in return. I’ve taken the time to give you a response letting you know that I value the interaction that you’ve provided me. All I’m asking for is that additional syllable.

Now, I realize that there are definitely instances in which a certain type of person issues sarcastic ‘Thank You’s, rife with insincerity and scorn. In these cases, please feel free to respond in kind. No one will hold that against you. However, these instances are easily distinguishable from the more common ‘sincere’ offers of thanks, and should be treated as exceptions, not the norm.

Thus ends my Public Service Announcement.

Cheers!