Expert: Kristy Lashbaugh - 11/30/2006

Question
I would like to know the reason why we should generally respond "You're welcome" to whom is previously expressing gratitude by saying "Thank you"  

Answer
The Oxford English Dictionary cites an example from 1907 as the earliest print reference to "you're welcome" in response to thanks.

I think that it's more or less something that's always existed in some form or another.  In French, we say "Dit rien" or "Say nothing."  In English we also have the phrase "Don't mention it."

I think it's a social way of telling others that our intentions are better than they probably really are.  The girl in the drive through says "You're welcome" when you say thanks for the order.  She probably doesn't really mean you're welcome to it or that she has any personal stake in your happiness.  It's become a superficial contruction of our society with regard to manners.  Essentially we're telling the one expressing gratitude that no gratitude is necessary as they are welcome to our services.