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This occurred on a day of rest, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. The location was a typical gas station that also functions as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.

I was fourth in the queue. There was only cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, his pastry, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier wish him an excellent day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas like me.

Advancing next, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. You don’t get many Americans frequenting this area, least of all employed at gas stations or other places.

I was second now. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. This took an eternity. When she was done, she as well was wished to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to utter.

In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to no different – with which she looked me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. It improved my mood. It was a good thing.