Addressing the Cashier That Made Me Absolutely Speechless – I Salute You
This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, refueling the family car. This was a typical gas station that operates as a convenience store, so you run the risk of ending up in line shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
I was fourth among those waiting. There was only person serving, a female attendant. Something stood out about her. Once the slowpoke at the first position had at last settled for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up straightforward customers such as myself.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people those exact words, or even just a nice day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her carryall, her purchases, her wallet and her membership pass. This took an eternity. When she was done, the woman also was wished an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by making a witty remark to her, to observe that reaction their typical stare, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to no different – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
