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This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I felt in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that operates as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.

I was fourth in the waiting line. There was only employee working, a young woman. Something stood out to her presence. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if perhaps she was a comrade in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers including me.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.

I was second now. Following a senior shopper engaged in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, she too received the wish a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by making a witty remark in her direction, to observe that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a jest to utter.

Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.