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The scene was a weekend morning, and I felt grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. The location was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a convenience store, which often leads of ending up in line people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.

Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one employee working, a young woman. Something stood out about her. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had finally paid for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a comrade in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.

Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and no British person wishes anyone a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, certainly not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.

Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper dealing with a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.

In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – as she gazed directly into my eyes, piercingly, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.