🔗 Share this article For the Checkout Assistant Who Left Me Completely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You This occurred on a weekend morning, and I found myself grumpy enough, refueling my mother's vehicle. This was a common fuel stop that doubles as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Awful. I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the front of the queue had at last settled for a cleaning product, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if perhaps she was a supporter in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up people just getting gas such as myself. Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals says to others those exact words, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places. Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper dealing with a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. When she was done, she too was wished to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to observe that reaction their typical stare, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say. In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to the same thing – as she gazed me right in the eye, piercingly, and wished me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.