Addressing the Checkout Assistant Who Made Me Absolutely Wordless – Kudos to You

It was a day of rest, and I was grumpy enough, topping off the family car. It was a typical gas station that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of waiting behind customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to happen when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.

My position was fourth in the queue. Just one employee working, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. You don’t get many Americans frequenting this area, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well got told to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a jest to utter.

I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, piercingly, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.