Addressing the Store Clerk Who Made Me Completely Without Words – Kudos to You
It was a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, topping off the family car. It was a common fuel stop that operates as a convenience store, so you run the risk of waiting behind shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the queue. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual about her. When the faffer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his Viakal, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be a comrade in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down people just getting gas like me.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our group completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. You don’t get many Americans visiting this town, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady embroiled in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark to her, to observe that reaction their typical stare, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – with which she looked me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
