When someone says "Thank-you" it's normal to say "You're welcome". What else can you say?
No problem?
You got it? (strictly in the US of A)
You're welcome, I've discovered, isn't always the right thing to say. In fact it can be very wrong indeed.
Last night, I found myself in a funeral home at the "removal" of a friend's Dad. I'd decided in advance that I wouldn't mutter the hackneyed Sorry for your troubles. I'd further considered that my friend would thank me for coming. Under no circumstances would I tell him that he was welcome. I walked up to him and offered my condolences.
"Sorry for your troubles", I said.
"Thanks for coming", he replied.
"You're welcome", I heard myself say.
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