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This occurred on a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that operates as a convenience store, so you run the risk of ending up in line people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.

My position was fourth among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a female attendant. Something stood out to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a supporter in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for those who delay people just getting gas such as myself.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too was wished an excellent day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke to her, to check for that response when they look at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, that equates to no different – as she gazed directly into my eyes, to my very core, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.