Addressing the Checkout Assistant Who Made Me Completely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You

The scene was a weekend morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up my mother's vehicle. It was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.

I moved up, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, certainly not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her food items, her purse and her membership pass. It went on for ever. When she was done, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to check for that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.