Addressing the Checkout Assistant That Left Me Totally Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, topping off the family car. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to occur when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she could even be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers like me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Very rare. You don’t get people from America visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well was wished to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to observe that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
