I'm no longer giving directions! - two simple words thank you

PaulStat · 17 Nov 2010 at 09:58

For whatever reason I seem to get asked for directions a lot of the time. 9 times out of 10 however I don't even get a thank you.

How hard is it to say thank you to someone trying to help you out!

Van Hellseek · 17 Nov 2010 at 09:59

Thank you.

arknor · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:00

tell them your not a GPS or an AtoZ

Zefan · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:00

How does the conversation end if not with some form of thanks, at least a "Cheers!"?

I am imagining you giving them directions and them then just leaving as soon as you've finished telling them the way, but that doesn't really work in my head.

Edrof · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:01

I notice this with holding doors open to people or waiting to let people pass next to obstructions. 'Tis annoying to say the least!

I've started saying 'You're welcome' as I pass.

PaulStat · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:02

Zefan said:
How does the conversation end if not with some form of thanks, at least a "Cheers!"?

I am imagining you giving them directions and them then just leaving as soon as you've finished telling them the way, but that doesn't really work in my head.

That's pretty much it, they repeat the directions back and then just wander off

RDM · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:02

It doesn't really bother me. I am not helpful because I want the thanks, I am helpful because I prefer to be helpful. It isn't my loss if they don't say thank you, but theirs. Same with holding doors open and the like.

The IPB · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:03

I always get asked for directions, but never know how to explain them even if I know how to get to the desired location. I'm useless with road names and can never remember any.

I sometimes try explaining by landmarks, whether they make it or not I'll never know.

Cosimo · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:05

It's nice when it happens but I'm not bothered whether they do or not. I always say thanks.

Windle · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:06

Tell them they have to pay a satnav charge of £10 for directions

Van Hellseek · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:06

British people are always rude. I blame the weather.

I work in a hotel, and when customers are rude (which is most of the time) I make them pay....

Edrof · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:08

RDM said:
It isn't my loss if they don't say thank you, but theirs. Same with holding doors open and the like.

How is it their loss?

RDM · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:10

Forde said:
How is it their loss?

They have not had the good luck or decent upbringing to be polite. I would say it makes them a lesser person, which is unfortunate for them.

Semiskimmed · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:13

youre lucky to get that far, most of the times i cant direct people as im no good with road names lol

Edrof · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:22

RDM said:
They have not had the good luck or decent upbringing to be polite. I would say it makes them a lesser person, which is unfortunate for them.

I would agree, but I doubt they care - or have even noticed

Morgoth · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:25

Usually if people don't say thanks I follow them home and bludgeon them with a hammer.

That'll learn 'em.

RDM · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:25

Forde said:
I would agree, but I doubt they care - or have even noticed

However I have noticed the opposite attitude helps immensely. Being polite and pleasent tends to result in better service and in making life easier in general. People are much more likely to go out of their way to help when you need it, prioritise stuff for you over others and the like. So it seems to work out well on the whole.

Lunatic Dreyfus · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:27

Windle said:
Tell them they have to pay a satnav charge of £10 for directions

It's the slavish following of a SatNav that normally gets them in to the position of having to ask me for directions in the first place.

The trouble is being a postman they expect me to know the location of everything within a ten mile radius.

Occasionally they do just go without a thank you, which is fine, because when a pretty woman asks for directions it evens things out. Just like an Aussie girl did yesterday. It's always good to sound like you know the score and imagine your impressing her with your knowledge.

Morgoth · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:28

Lunatic Dreyfus said:
IJust like an Aussie girl did yesterday. It's always good to sound like you know the score and imagine your impressing her with your knowledge.

Did you give her your number in case she gets lost again?

Zatoichi.uK · 17 Nov 2010 at 10:29

Use the hangover line 'Its at the corner of, get a map and **** off'.