Reason why common American response to 'thank you' is actually considered extremely rude everywhere else

Apparently, the common American response when someone says 'thank you' is kind of rude to everywhere else.

What is considered polite doesn't always follow the same rules around the world.

For example, slurping your food might get you some nasty looks when dining out in the US, but in Japan, it's considered respectful appreciation.

Meanwhile, shaking hands is a common greeting in many Western cultures, which changes to a peck on the cheek (or two) in Europe to a slight bow in some Asian cultures.

There are some things that are considered rude in some countries but polite in others (Getty Images)

And whatever you do, don't ever jump the line in the UK.

However, a typical American response to when someone says 'thank you' is doing the rounds on social media as many of our friends overseas agree it comes across as rude.

When someone says 'Thank you', you might expect a response like 'You're welcome', 'Don't mention it' or 'No problem'... unless you're from the States.

According to Australians, Americans sometimes respond to the polite acknowledgement with a mumbled 'mm-hm.'

There are ways to respond to the phrase politely (Getty Images)

Travellers say this ambivalent shrug-off is rude - as is a dismissive 'Okay'.

Taking the manners issue to TikTok, an Australian woman called Tilly ranted: "I don't understand like talking to an American, you say 'Thank you' and they always just say like, 'Mm-hm.'

"Like what the f***? I just said 'Thank you', say 'You're welcome' or 'All good' or 'No worries', not f****** 'Mm-hm.'"

Another American woman, an author called Kacie from New York, said she is also guilty of responding in such a way and since moving to Italy has equally found the phrasing to come off as rude.

She captioned in her TikTok: "I can’t tell you how many times Italians have thought I’m mad at them. Also, I'm from NYC, not the South, and this is a perfectly fine response to 'thank you' there too."

The American confessed she says it too (TikTok/Kacierose4)

And dozens in the comments confessed they often respond with 'mm-hm' and were unaware that it was rude.

Another said: "Oh my god thank you so much for making this video. My British friends would make fun of me for this allll the time!"

However, the discussion has spiralled as there are other regional expressions brought into the mix, such as Pennsylvania's 'That's okay' to New York's 'Forget about it'.

Still, psychologist, Dr Hannah Yang, stresses it's important to genuinely accept 'thank yous' in order to build and maintain important relationships.

So, how can we make amends and stop offending our international buddies and make sure we keep them as friends?

Well, Dr Yang is here to the rescue, as the pro outlined 10 preferred responses in ranking order to Parade.

At the top is 'You're welcome', which the doc said is a good 'go-to' response that will help 'facilitate a nice connection'.

'I'm glad you like it', came second, but is usually in response to being thanked for a completed project or piece of work.

In third place, 'glad I could help' shows 'your own gratitude for being able to lend a hand', while 'I appreciate you saying that' and 'I appreciate your gratitude' follows the same vein.

Then, 'happy to do this for you' and 'it was my pleasure' are both equally friendly alternatives.

Meanwhile, one-word phrases like 'anytime' could be risky as it's simple and must sound genuine.

Others like, 'I'm here for you anytime you need' might be overkill in a situation where it isn't an emotional bond, and 'thank you for your kind words' can be quit formal, usually given in response to customer reviews.

...You're welcome.

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