Addressing the Cashier That Left Me Absolutely Wordless – Kudos to You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I felt grumpy enough, topping off my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. A single employee working, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his Viakal, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a comrade in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for those who delay straightforward customers such as myself.
I moved up, now third in line. The new leader of our group completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here tells people those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, certainly not working in petrol stations or other places.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her purchases, her wallet and her rewards card. This took an eternity. Once completed, the woman also got told a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to check for that thing their typical stare, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a jest to express.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked me right in the eye, piercingly, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
