Addressing the Cashier That Made Me Absolutely Speechless – Kudos to You
It was a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. The location was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a convenience store, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. A single employee working, a female attendant. There was something unusual to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his Viakal, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain overhearing the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down people just getting gas including me.
Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. You don’t get US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her groceries, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. When she was done, the woman also received the wish an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to no different – while she stared directly into my eyes, to my very core, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
