I’ve just spent about an hour in a major retail outlet in Amarillo staffed by individuals ranging in age from, oh, 18 to about 30.

I think I said “thank you” a dozen times to them as they helped my wife and me with our shopping needs. Their response? “No problem.”

That impolite response to an expression of thanks brought something to mind. My congressman, Republican Mac Thornberry of Clarendon, told me once years ago that he lays down a set of rules for young interns who work in his D.C. office. They are: Call your mother; remember that what’s said in the office stays in the office; use good manners all the time.

“Good manners” as I remember it included using proper responses, such as when someone says “thank you.” Mac’s rules mean that you respond with “you’re welcome.” Responding with “no problem” doesn’t cut it with Rep. Thornberry. I happen to agree with him.

I know the kids running around this retail outlet today didn’t intend to be disrespectful or rude. They smiled when they said “no problem” as I thanked them. I appreciate the grins and the good cheer.

It’s a simple thing, or so it would seem, to say “you’re welcome,” which is the proper way to answer someone who takes the time to thank you. “No problem” implies vaguely that you think there is a problem. Indeed, today there were no problems at all with the service we received, even in this place full of customers scurrying around in search of the perfect Christmas gift.

So, in the Christmas spirit, I would like to offer this gentle admonition to those who fall continually into the “no problem” verbal trap when someone offers them a word of thanks: Don’t do it, please.

You’re welcome.