No stranger owes me a “thank-you” if I make a gesture of politeness. If I found somebody’s wallet and a way to return it and its contents intact, I wouldn’t expect a reward but maybe a little something for the effort like a smile and a handshake. If they’re rude and unappreciative then it’s best to just stay above the fray and carry on with business as usual.
You are correct.
Nobody owes you a “thank you”. That said, I am an advocate of manners.
If someone is right behind me and I hold the door, I don’t expect any kind of acknowlegement.
But if I stop and hold it for any period of time, and the person walks right by me without even saying anything I just say “You’re welcome” and go about my business.
If someone opens the door for me, I make eye contact, smile, and say in a friendly voice “Thank you!”
Funny, I used to ride mass transit occasionally, and I on a crowded train I would offer my seat to an older person or a woman, and the looks I got...people were bugged out.
Well. I guess I can’t blame them. And I don’t go on mass transit anymore. I see it as dangerous.