NO PROBLEM
I’ve often, very often, gotten snippets for writing in overheard conversations, or hearing just one word that is too delicious not to write about. I’m not alone in playing around with words. Fellow wordsmith Bill Weaver had this to add to a conversation a group of us were having about the ever-changing use of “No problem” as a response to various comments.
Welcome to my guest blogger today: Bill Weaver
I am Bill Weaver and I was a Texan for 78 years, and moved to Atria Bell Court Gardens in Tucson, Arizona in July 2015. One day at mealtime I relayed a story to a fellow resident, Lee Keaton, and she invited me to the Creative Writing Group. This group is sponsored and mentored by Ethel Lee-Miller and she has been a tremendous help to me and other members of the group. The writing has been a catharsis for me. I often hear conversations that provoke a desire to write a satire for my own entertainment. “No Problem” is a product of such a conversation!
NO PROBLEM
As I accept the check from the courier with a simple thank you, he responds, “No Problem.”
When I describe the damage to my insurance agent he responds, “No Problem.”
The waiter politely delivers my order and I say, “Thank you,” and the waiter responds, “No Problem.”
During the storm my roof was blown away and as the water climbed the wall, my neighbor responds, “No Problem.”
I approach the banker to ask about my loan and he responds, “Now that is a problem.”
When the waiter brings the check I tell my dining mates, “I forgot my wallet.” They reply in unison, “Now that is a problem.”
When does “No Problem” really mean “No Problem”?
When the IRS agent says, “I made a mistake and we owe you!” you politely say, “No Problem.”
When the doctor says “I gave you the wrong diagnosis and you are healthy,” do you politely say, “No Problem”?
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How often do you hear the phrase, “that works for me!”?
The programmer tells his co-workers that he has a program that will make all their jobs easier. They all reply, “That works for me!”
My favorite is when I turn the computer on and nothing happens–so I scream, “It doesn’t work for me!”
Thank you to Bill and all my colleagues at Atria Bell Court Gardens. What words spark conversations or perhaps make you grind your teeth in exasperation? Then again, what words soothe you?
Ethel Lee-Miller is an author, public speaker, storyteller and lover of words, always on the lookout for a new story. If you’re in Tucson, watch what you say, you may find yourself in one of her stories.
