There's a man from Budapest who bags groceries at my local Whole Foods. His name is Jan (Sounds like Yaan.) Always friendly. Always smiles. He comments on the weather by using words you use to describe food: "what a delicious day" he might say if it has been sunny all day. (I'm usually shopping in the evening, after sundown.) Is this intentional? Food store. "Delicious day." I'm not sure. He also always uses the expression "my pleasure" after people thank him for bagging their groceries. And he says it with such relish! (Sorry! Couldn't help myself.) But the way he says "my pleasure" convinces you that it has been his pleasure to figure out the best way to place your groceries in that bag so that no harm comes to the tomatoes.
I have found myself saying "my pleasure" instead of "you're welcome" when someone thanks me for something I have done. 'My pleasure' has so much more power than 'you're welcome.' Just the act of saying 'my pleasure' is pleasurable. And just saying those two words reinforces the fact that you did have pleasure in helping this other person. And it makes you want to help people more so you can say "my pleasure!" more often. "You're welcome" has none of that power. I'm amazed at the difference in the two phrases that at least outwardly seem to convey the same meaning.
Recently got an email back from a friend who I had thanked for something. She responded with: "My pleasure." I loved that. Maybe this is catching on? Or have I just been missing something for a long time?
