between the clerk and I

When people at stores say "have a nice day," or something of that sort, it always makes me feel bad.

I tend to look at it as a genuine remark, and I usually say "you too" all merrily. And I envision a connection of general well-being between the clerk and I.

But then I realize that it is their job. It is their job to be polite, and that is the reason they are doing it; I am no more than a customer to say a dubious "have a nice day" to.

And then I see that there is absolutely no connection of general well-being

between the clerk and I.