Addressing the Store Clerk That Left Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up the family car. It was a common fuel stop that also functions as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one cashier operating, a female attendant. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the head of the line had at last settled for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if perhaps she was an ally in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay people just getting gas including me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone those exact words, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans frequenting this area, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her handbag and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. When she was done, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to check for that reaction their typical stare, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to no different – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.
