At 8.45pm in a supermarket and the checkout asks whether you have had a good day?

Do you invite her to sit down so you can discuss? Well no, actually I didn't have a good day. My Cat got run over, the bottom fell out of my share portfolio, I suspect my wife is having an affair and the job is looking dodgy.

Should I expect the checkout to minister to me or just dismiss my misery with a 'never mind, it's a new day tomorrow”.

I suppose the point is silence is not a vacuum that needs to filled with meaningless words. A simple hullo, smile, end it. That should cut it.

I was just getting over that then the checkout asks if that's all today. Today? What's with the today?

But she ain't finished yet. It is now 9pm and the checkout offers me another platitude. 'Enjoy the rest of your day!” Smile.

It's 9pm and I will be in bed asleep in an hour after I have unpacked the groceries. What will there be left in the day to enjoy?

More smiles please and less idle chatter.

C Mudgeon, Otumoetai.