Problem

I appear to have a problem.

It is the overuse of the phrase �no problem�.

I have found myself using this phrase in three emails and two conversations today alone. And that�s not taking into account the many times I have probably used it without noticing. I don�t know where or when or why my use of this phrase began.

I do know that I used to use the word �right� a lot. Usually at the end of sentences. I think I grew out of this the same time I battered my Californian accent - which also featured the frequent use and mis-pronunciation of the word �sure� - out of existence.

I now only fall back into those bad habits � including the accent � when I�m speaking to an American on the phone. Interestingly, I don�t fall back into the accent when I�m actually in California � only when I�m on the phone. Strange.

There was also a period of excessive use of the affirmation �absolutely�. But this was drilled out of me pretty quickly by the emergence of an ad campaign for a certain airline using the word as its tag. That said airline was both the mortal corporate enemy of the organisation which employs most of my family, and rapidly out of business, gave �absolutely� a whole new context.

�Right�, �sure�, �absolutely� and �no problem�. Hmmm. It could be worse I suppose. A Fland-esque �okely-dokely� or a Sex and the City �alrighty� coming immediately to mind.