Just like everyone we have hectic lives. Between working at the store, shuttling our daughter back and forth to her appointments, running errands associated with the business and oh yes, those personal things that have to get done each week like grocery shopping, it seems like we often are scrambling to get things done at home.

This is especially true when it comes to fixing dinner. Like many of you this means that many times we are fending for ourselves and if it is a night when we have to be somewhere in a hurry, often that means stopping at a fast food (or pretty quick) restaurant.

One of the ones that we frequently patronize is a nationwide chicken sandwich, salad, nugget and soup chain. After the staff at this chain takes the order, gives the food to you, refills your drink or interacts with you in any way they say, “My Pleasure”.

Make no mistake, we’re sure that using the phrase “My Pleasure” instead of the standard “No Problem” is drilled into the staff during their orientation and training. After all, everyone in the restaurants uses it at every opportunity. But we can’t help wondering if saying and hearing all those My Pleasures every day really makes it a friendlier place, or if it just seems that way. It certainly makes us feel good being there and helps encourage us to return.

There is nothing wrong with using No Problem – almost everyone does. But we’ve heard that most people subliminally think negatively when they even hear the word problem, even if No is put in front of it and it is said with an enthusiastic smile.

At Gemstone Creations we always do our best to cheerfully help you and provide the highest level of customer service that we can when you stop in. A No Problem might slip into our conversation occasionally but more often than not we’ll be the first to say that we can certainly help you with that or we are glad to assist you. It’s our pleasure.