A Nation of Thank You's.

My "jobs" (caddying, catering) often require an exchange for some meaningless service that I have to perform and there are times I wonder if the "Thank You's" are necessary. I take a dirty dish, they sometimes say "Thank You." I take a dirty dish, sometimes I say "Thank You," for what I'm not sure. Now why would I ever be thankful for taking someone's dish away? I know there are those out there that need the gratification of a "Thank You" to remind them that the service they are doing is indeed one that should be appreciated. And of course "Thank You's" are necessary. "Thank You's" are necessary in obvious cases such as holding a door open, or pulling out a seat for someone, or (if you're at your job and you're good looking) not hitting on me in a weird covered up way, etc. But what about things like showing up to a party? Is it really necessary for the inviters to call the invitees within the next few days to say Thank You for showing up to their party?

Enter Party.

Host: Hey, thanks for coming!

Guest: Thanks for having us.

Host: Help yourself to drinks and food and make yourself at home.

Guest: Thanks.

Later.

Host: Well, thanks again for coming.

Guest: Thanks for throwing such a great party.

Then come the "Thank You" cards or e-Thanks that are sent out both ways. It really just leads to an endless circle of "Thank You's." Each one more ambiguous and unnecessary as the next. In a logical world a Guest would say "Thanks for having us," upon arrival and when leaving. Does the host really have to sound so pathetic by thanking someone for simply indulging the rest of the party with their presence?

I guess the only way we can avoid spouting off a "Thank You" at any sign of respectful gesture is by not being so insecure to expect one in the first place. Caddying is an unnecessary job. I often call it the exclamation point to the exclamatory statement, "I'm RICH!" So it does feel nice once in a while to get a "Thank You," but at the same time I don't expect it. If they are appreciative and respectful of the fact that I'm doing things that are completely unnecessary in the grand scheme of things, that's enough for me. If you're saying "Thank You" because you think it's necessary then by all means say it. But don't use it as a way to cover up ignorance or disrespect just because you're programmed to say it.

I'm not sure why I wrote this but I would like to say "Thank You" to all of you who decide not to put so much gel in your hair, or wear a shirt on the bus on the way to the beach, or those who choose the Levi 501's instead of the 511's. Thank You for playing pretty, or at least trying.