I have been struck lately by the way interviews on radio and TV end. Someone important has been invited to participate in a conversation on an important issue. When the segment ends, the host says what I expect him or her to say to the guest: “Thank you!” The guest’s response used to surprise me. For he or she—the person who has contributed expertise to the conversation—almost always responded with “Thank you,” rather than “you’re welcome,” which is what I expect him or her to say. That conversational interaction just seemed like the obvious, appropriate gesture to end a discussion. The one who offered insight or advice should not have had to think about how to respond to “Thank you.” It is always “You’re welcome.”
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Jim Wildeman
Jim Wildeman is a novelist, short story writer, essayist, and professor emeritus at Covenant College. His work has been published in various places, and he has been nominated for the annual Best American Essay collection. He lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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