Addressing the Store Clerk Who Made Me Completely Wordless – Kudos to You

The scene was a weekend morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling the family car. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a convenience store, which often leads of joining a queue shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to occur when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. A single employee working, a young woman. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier wish him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.

I moved up, now third in line. The new leader of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not working in petrol stations or other places.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she too got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that thing their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to utter.

I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to the same thing – while she stared straight at me, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.