Addressing the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Totally Speechless – My Hat's Off to You

It was a Sunday morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off my mother's vehicle. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

My position was fourth in the queue. A single person serving, a female attendant. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the first position had finally paid for a cleaning product, his pastry, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down people just getting gas including me.

Taking a step forward, now third in line. The next shopper of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person tells people those exact words, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her wallet and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, the woman also received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark in her direction, to observe that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – as she gazed directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.