Addressing the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Absolutely Wordless – Kudos to You
It was a day of rest, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, so you run the risk of waiting behind customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
My position was fourth among those waiting. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the first position had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier wish him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up straightforward customers like me.
I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. You don’t get people from America frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her food items, her handbag and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious to her, to observe that thing when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to the same thing – as she gazed directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
