Boomer Teaching Moments

I admit it- I am that Boomer that watches Facebook Reels, further ruining the platform for the Gen-Alphabet kids.

But I enjoy it and I learn things: like who KNEW that the Dollar Tree had stuff that can be hot glued to other stuff to create even more stuff? And whoever thought about making videos about it? Genius.

And- how many ways can you work with hardboiled eggs to make them taste like sweet and yummy desserts? Obviously I have not yet plumbed the depths of that question because every day I see at least one more video. Today it was how to whirl hardboiled eggs in a blender to make them into a chocolate pudding that is a favorite of Halle Berry. I kid you not!

Also 'trending' on these videos are parents that whack raw eggs on the foreheads of their kids as they cook. This seems excessively unnecessary, and so far I understand the children are not wildly pleased about it. But it is something that influencers are doing. Back in my day, if we were bad we got whacked with either my dad's leather slipper of a wooden kitchen spoon. We did not enjoy it, and my family didn't admit to it much less put it out there on video for God, the universe, and Children's Youth Services to see.

But that isn't what this is. This is about phrases that drive Boomers over the edge.

But before I tell you what the worst one is, let me tell you why I started by describing the Facebook Reels. It's because it taught me the meaning of something that I realized I had been hearing without knowing what it really was.

I can explain

I've heard people say that something was PHAT, THICC, and SICK over the years. I've been given to understand that these are all expressions of approval, although I have my doubts about that.

Lately I've heard that some things SLAP. Again, everyone looks enthused and unoffended, pretty darn close to in agreement and pleased. Not me. I had no idea what it meant.

Then someone that must be an expert in Reels for Dummies (and if that isn't a book by gum it should be!), captioned it and THEN deciphered it. SLAP is an acronym for Sounds Like A Plan, and suddenly I get it. I tell you! Facebook Reels should be mandatory. Except for that hoppin-around legs crossed and jumping exercise stuff. I'd blow out my knee if I gave it a try.

Anywho- The Phrase

Imagine that you are in a restaurant, at your table. The waitstaff brings your food and you smilingly say ‘Thank you’. They look you in the eye and their response is one that makes almost every Boomer wince and every Greatest Generation shudder.

“No problem”.

EEEEEP! No! Sound the buzzer!

Just- don’t. Don’t give that response. If you are in the service industry, if you are in hospitality, if you are in sales: purge yourself from the ‘no problem’ habit.

It is not reassuring. It is not casual.

And for older generations it is often not meaningful.

The ‘No Problem’ History

Similar responses have been used for years:

• ‘Not at all’
• ‘Don’t mention it’
• ‘No thanks needed’
• ‘It was nothing’

These responses downplay the significance of the action for which they are thanked, and negate any perceived burden created in providing it.

This also casts the service provider in a magnanimous light, overcoming possible problems to bring you refill of your Diet Coke (not a sponsor of this article. But, Hey: I'm willing if they are!).

The best answer is ‘You’re welcome’.

If you want to mix it up a little you may try ‘my pleasure’, ‘of course’, or ‘happy to’ but do it sparingly and with feeling if you go that route. Sticking to ‘You’re welcome!’ will never disappoint.

Want to read more about it? Here’s what Webster’s has to say on the subject!

Now- back to my regularly scheduled program of Facebook Reels. I wonder what Dude Dad is up to...?

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