Addressing the Store Clerk That Made Me Absolutely Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
I was fourth in the queue. Just one cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality about her. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down people just getting gas such as myself.
Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here tells people those exact words, or even just a nice day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, least of all employed at gas stations or other places.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too received the wish an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that reaction when they look at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a jest to utter.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, piercingly, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.
