🔗 Share this article

This occurred on a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. The location was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.

Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only employee working, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the first position had at last settled for a cleaning product, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier tell him an excellent day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers like me.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter US citizens visiting this town, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. When she was done, the woman also was wished to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that thing as they gaze at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to utter.

In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.