Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[dyddgu]

Occasionally readers actually apologise for bringing their books in overdue, with fines on &c. My normal reaction to people apologising for things is to say "no problem" or "don't worry about it". But that seems wrong in this case - after all, it isn't OK to bring books in overdue, that's why we charge fines

Comments

[riohnna]

I have no experience with that, but I will agree with gipsy_dreamer . Although, I have an attitude problem when it comes to public service. I would probably be rude, responding with "I am sorry, too, you owe (such and such)"

responses

[velvet512]

I have a similar problem when I have answered the phone, found the call is not for me, gone and looked for the intended recipient, and drawn a blank. Manners requires me to say I'm sorry so-and-so is not here to take your call. But I'm not sorry at all. But if I simply say So-and-so is no here, that is probably rude. Oh dear!

PS: when people bring books back late, perhaps the only response is Thank you. And leave it at that!