Addressing the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Completely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, which often leads of waiting behind people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the queue. A single person serving, a female attendant. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals tells people those exact words, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.
Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. When she was done, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that thing when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as no different – as she gazed directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.
