For the Checkout Assistant Who Made Me Totally Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, topping off the family car. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, which often leads of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she might actually be a comrade in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for those who delay simple fuel-buyers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, certainly not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. The process dragged on. Once completed, the woman also got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by cracking a joke in her direction, to see if she did that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as no different – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.
