How should you respond when someone thanks you?

When someone thanks you, saying "You're welcome" or acknowledging their gratitude reflects good manners and appreciation of the other person’s feelings. This response reinforces polite social interaction, showing that you value their acknowledgment of your actions or assistance. It helps create a positive atmosphere and encourages further positive exchanges in communication. Acknowledging thanks fosters goodwill and strengthens interpersonal relationships, which is an essential component of etiquette in social settings.

Ignoring someone who thanks you might come off as rude or dismissive, while responding with a compliment can shift focus and may not directly address their gratitude. Asking why someone is thankful can feel like undermining or questioning their feelings, which is often unnecessary or inappropriate in a typical polite interaction. Therefore, responding with a simple acknowledgment is the most effective way to maintain decorum and show respect in social interactions.