One of the recent signs of the end of polite human society is the inability of people to respond to a common nicety.

“Hi, how are you?” is usually followed by a barked command or a complaint or silence.

A smile is generally greeted by a blank stare.

For the record, when someone says ‘Thank you”, you should say “You’re welcome.”

It’s disheartening that retail workers are expected to greet, thank and smile at customers, but the customers don’t have to give us the same courtesy.