OP - it's not always just the exact words used, but how it is said. If the "no problem" was said with a blank look or a shrug, I might take that as a lack of manners or not caring. If it was said in an upbeat friendly way, it was probably meant as such and is just their way of staying friendly and you may have taken it the wrong way. Bottom line - try to think the best of people and give others a break. Some don't deserve a break, but wouldn't you feel bad if that one person you thought bad of had genuine kindness in their heart?
I used to be a server 25 years ago. I was polite and upbeat. Sometimes I'd use different phrases to lighten the mood or seem fun and most customers liked it. Sometimes it would be to try and relate to them or seem friendly based on an observation. Only one time did I have someone say something to the effect that they didn't think I was formal or polite enough. More often than not, I'd receive notes handed to me that praised my attitude and even a few job offers.
I looked it up and it seems that others are even offended by the "you're welcome" reply. Jeez...
Origins of You're Welcome below:
According to language experts ‘thank you’ is derived from the Old English word “wilcuma.”
We all know that politeness and good manners go a long way in how we are perceived. Ever since childhood, we have been taught the fundamentals of good manners: please, thank you, sorry, you’re welcome and other greetings. But have you ever stopped and wondered why they are a part of common courtesy and what is the meaning and significance behind them? Here is the origin and history behind one of the most common phrases of politeness, “you’re welcome.”
Where does the phrase “you’re welcome” stem from?
According to language experts, this ubiquitous saying is derived from the Old English word “wilcuma.” This ancient word fused together the two ideas of “pleasure” and “guest.” Essentially, it was used by hosts to express their openness and gratitude to their guests and visitors. It became more popular in the early 1600s when used in Shakespeare’s famous play titled “Othello” as a reflexive response to another popular phrase, “thank you.” Since then, it was accepted in normal speech and conversation that these two phrases complement each other. The reciprocity which emerged from them was a part of courtesy and politeness.
In today’s day and age, it follows the purpose of assuring someone that they are not under the obligation of repaying you. Other popular replacements for the saying include: My pleasure, no worries, no problem, happy to help, etc, with all of them having the same connotations.
An interesting anecdote about the importance of this phrase
Post-World War II, the Allied Nations of Europe suffered great losses. In order to extend aid to them, the United States sent a train filled with food items, clothing and other necessities. These products were loaded onto a ship and then distributed in Italy, France, UK and other nations. However, in this gesture, there was an element of portraying. The fact that these were American goods was made clear with patriotic hoardings and flags in the European nations.
The following year, as an expression of gratitude, the European countries, too, sent some goods to America. To this, America considered returning the favour again. It did not happen, but even the consideration of it was a nod to this compulsive pattern of returning favours so that one party does not owe the other anything. In such situations, the importance of the phrase “you’re welcome” is understood clearly as it functions as the last word.
