Addressing the Cashier That Left Me Completely Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a weekend morning, and I was sufficiently irritable, refueling my mother's vehicle. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of ending up in line shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to happen when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. Something stood out about her. After the ditherer at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she might actually be an ally in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up straightforward customers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The new leader of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals says to others those exact words, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter many Americans frequenting this area, certainly not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her membership pass. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious to her, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and told me an awesome day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
