Addressing the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Absolutely Speechless – Kudos to You

It was a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that operates as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to happen when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. There was something unusual about her. Once the slowpoke at the first position had at last settled for a cleaning product, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be a supporter in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for those who delay simple fuel-buyers such as myself.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Very rare. You don’t get US citizens frequenting this area, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her carryall, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, the woman also got told to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that response as they gaze at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.

I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, which amounts to no different – with which she looked me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me a wonderful day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.