How often do you say thank you?

Pollycat

NineDeuce wrote: »

Why do you see it as choice between too polite and rude? It's not rude just to say 'Thanks' and that's it, when someone picks your pen up off the floor, or lends you a paper clip . Judging some people's reactions, you would have thought that they have just received the world's biggest favour.....

(I always make sure they are aware though that I am just lending them a paper clip and that I do want it back).

I don't see it as a choice between the two.
It was you who mentioned 'cringeworthy':

NineDeuce wrote: »

As little as possible. Just once. It is cringeworthy how polite people try to be nowadays.

They say sorry and thank you for things that are just completely unnecessary....

I thank people as I think is appropriate.
For example, I would thank someone who picked up my pen.

Robisere

As someone with a disability and a walking aid, I always say thank you for almost every service, but I am especially thankfull to anyone who opens doors, moves out of my way, or steps aside to let me in or out of somewhere. I also acknowledge the driver who lets me across a pedestrian crossing, with a special smile and wave for the one who stops to let me cross where there is no crossing.

What often strikes me, is the age of those who help me in this way. Young people seem to be best at this: a lot of people in middle age or older, can be absolutely oblivious, sometimes almost knocking me out of the way. My usual reaction to this is a loud "I AM NOT MADE OF SMOKE YOU KNOW!"

I also have to say "excuse me" and "thank you!" a lot in my town, which has narrow pavements, often filled 3 or 4 abreast with people who pretend not to notice me and my stick.

indiepanda

comeandgo wrote: »

I find that Excuse me Please is being used as a demand to let someone through, rather than a request.

All depends upon the tone it's said in. I'd rather have people say "excuse me please" than "sorry" when they want to get past. What have they done to apologize for? (Unless they just barge into me because they aren't looking where they are going that is.)

I say thanks a lot, although I've given up with most bus drivers in London as they seem to studiously avoid making eye contact with you. If they've waited while I am sprinting for the bus they definitely get a thank you - but those ones are usually looking at you and make eye contact as you hop on.

Gloomendoom

I get a bit miffed if I stop my car to let an oncoming car through a narrow bridge, road, parked car etc and they don't bother to wave in thanks. I have noticed that young female drivers are particularly guilty of this.

Primrose

Always, This aspect of good manners was drummed into me as a small child when I remember having to spend much of every Christmas Day afternoon writing”thank you” notes for all my presents.
I,’m appalled by the poor manners of nieces and nephews (and some adults in the family who never ever bother to say thank you for presents.

I’ve done a lot of volunteering over the years and have been surprised how few people seem to say “thank you”. I don’t do it to expect gratitude but it has shocked me how many people expect things to be done for them as an entitlement, even by volunteers, without ever acknowledging that people are giving up their time and energy to help them.

Good manners don’t cost anything

happyandcontented

Pollycat wrote: »

Lots of times.
Probably too often - if that's possible.
When we order a meal, I'll give the menu back to the waiter and say 'thank you'.
When he brings the food, I'll say 'thank you'.
When they clear the table, I'll say 'thank you'.

I say 'thank you' when I get on a bus and show the driver my ticket.
I say 'thank you' when I get off.

I say 'thank you' when anyone holds open a door for me.
And if I do the same for someone else and they say 'thank you', I always say 'you're welcome'.
On the other hand, if I hold open a door for someone and they sail through without acknowledging me, I have been known to say - in a sickly-sweet voice and with a simpering smile - 'thank you so much for allowing me to hold the door open for you'.

I also say 'sorry' far too often.
When it's not actually my fault.

My son ( who has been brought up to say Thank you) did just that and the woman said" get over yourself it is only a door " he was fuming but didn't argue with her. If she had said it to me I might have been less polite.

Manners cost nothing and improve the world.

System

Always, though for people I'm familiar with I tend to say "Ta".

hunters

Thank you and sorry to everyone all day and always let at least one car out where possible.

Heck I even say thank you to the self service machine at Tesco

Abbafan1972

I say thank you several times a day - when my colleague at work makes a drink, when I get on the bus I say thank you to the driver when I've scanned my travelcard and when I get off again.

I say it to the shop assistants when I've paid, the list is endless!

Abbafan1972

Judi wrote: »

Always, though for people I'm familiar with I tend to say "Ta".

I might say "cheers" as well, depending on who it is.