Recently, I went to the local pharmacy to pick up a few items. As we get older, this store receives more and more business from us. Prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies are playing a bigger role these days.
An interesting dynamic exists there. A mix of people older and younger than me, either working or shopping. Though such big age differences exist, the interactions are cordial.
It appears they put an emphasis on friendly customer service, perhaps recognizing that many of the customers may be feeling sick or have painful ailments. They warmly greet customers as they enter and graciously thank them after paying. This store should be applauded for making good relationships a priority.
After completing a purchase, the clerk made a thoughtful comment that stuck in my head.
“Have a nice rest of your day!” she said cheerfully. I replied with a grateful, “You too!” At the risk of sounding unappreciative, though, I could not quite settle on her phrasing.
Have a nice rest of your day. It felt like a metric socket that doesn’t quite fit around a standard bolt. Her meaning was well-intended and understood. But soon I was wrestling with it.
A nice rest of your day. I had to break this down.
First, I am pretty sure no one is going back in time. Unless this store has a blood pressure machine AND a time machine, the future is the only option. That said, a trip to the Roman Empire with purchase of Pepto Bismol would be a cool promotion.
Anyway, it would be futile to say, “Have a nice morning today!” at 1:30 in the afternoon. Just picture the perplexed look on the recipient’s face, with an “Uh, it’s 1:30,” uttered in a Jake from State Farm kind of tone.
Therefore, it is implied that any hopeful wishes go toward things to come, even if in the extremely near future. “Have a nice 3:03 p.m.!” tendered gleefully at 2:58 p.m., may sound strangely specific, but it would work.
If that logic makes sense, is there a way to get the same kindhearted message across while changing the wording?
Maybe.
“Since we cannot change the events of the past, may you enjoy nice future endeavors.”
“May the remaining hours of this 24-hour Earth rotation be nice!”
“How about a nice pack of smokes with your prostate medicine today?”
“Have rest. Have niceness. Whatever.”
Maybe not.
Everyone wants niceness, or something like it. But that word hasn’t really caught on yet and no one wants to hear it that way.
However, it is possible the store clerk actually said, “Have a nice, restier day.” That changes things. Perhaps I looked tired? The grey hair suggests some aging. It was almost 5 p.m. so maybe she figured I was digesting dinner and soon getting ready for bed.
That wrench fits even worse.
Now, I am certainly not a master of this language or any other. My kids still make comments about my Chicago accent. I tell dem, “What do yous guys know anyway?”
Still, there must be a better way to get that considerate message across.
Spoken words are used to send a message and sometimes, to create an image. Their beauty is in the ears of the beholder. It works best when the mouth sees it the same way.
Once, when speaking with a new acquaintance, I asked what he did for a living.
“I carry the mail,” he said proudly. He was a mailman, and his brief but poignant description made the job brim with nobility.
In the mid-'70s, Barry Manilow sang, “I am music and I write the songs.”
“Pretty bold statement,” thought Beethoven, Irving Berlin, McCartney and Lennon.
It was a huge hit. The message may appear to fuel a galaxy-sized ego but was not about him. I was never a young girl but cried when WLS played songs of love and special things over and over.
While writing this column, my wife said I was being too literal. After a short discussion, she said, “I’m going to run to the grocery store.” I told her that driving would be a much better idea, especially with all those bags. Duh.
Back to the store. Most people have had an experience where the customer/vendor relationship is backwards. When you feel like you are putting them out or interrupting them.
“Would it be more convenient for you if I bought this later? Possibly when you’re done texting. My 98-year-old mother can wait for her Plavix. She’s lived a long life anyway.” Then YOU thank THEM.
No niceness there.
Admittedly then, offering any nice comments, even if not worded comfortably, are better than none at all. There is something about politeness that is always appreciated.
So, I have changed my mind. Any words of kindness are good, no matter how they are expressed.
As for a “restier” day, I suggest a nap. Play with the dog. Binge Netflix. Sweats.
Or just have a nice day too!
Mike Bertok is the former general manager of The Times, and now resides in Wisconsin
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