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This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt grumpy enough, filling up my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to occur when your only desire 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. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I was certain overhearing the cashier tell him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be a supporter in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for people who hold up straightforward customers including me.

Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person tells people those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her handbag and her membership pass. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that reaction when they look at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to utter.

I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, which amounts to identical in effect – while she stared me right in the eye, piercingly, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.