Addressing the Store Clerk That Made Me Absolutely Without Words – Kudos to You
This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up 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 people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to occur when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Awful.
I was fourth among those waiting. Just one employee working, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had completed payment for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our group completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper dealing with a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her handbag and her membership pass. It went on for ever. After she finished, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to see if she did that thing when they look at you, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked straight at me, piercingly, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.
