This is my story that was published in the New York Times’ Metropolitan Diary some years ago. But it’s June, it’s wedding time, time for announcements of weddings, and time for stories about weddings. This one is mine:
I felt guilty and uncomfortable during one of life’s terrifying experiences: switching from one stylist to another in the same beauty salon.
“You have the right as a consumer to use the services of anyone you choose,” I told myself. “Just be matter of fact about it. Don’t look awkward; be natural.”
In the shop, the way to my new stylist’s station, I passed my former hairdresser and tried to affect a casual, chatty tone, saying, “I’m so excited today. My youngest daughter is getting married this weekend.”
His dour response: “You’re getting rid of everybody, aren’t you?”
MorristownMemos 
Comments on: "A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO A WEDDING" (24)
So, how was the wedding?
How much time do you have?
A lot.
OK; It was beautiful; held on Block Island, Rhode Island. Started off as a rainy day, but when Amy walked through the field and entered the place of the ceremony the sun suddenly shone. A wonderful forerunner to a good marriage, we all hope.
OMG … What an awkward situation 🙂
…and you didn’t even have to be there to appreciate how awkward it was. We all understand.
LOL! Ronnie he’s hilarious!!!! And you are a braver woman than I! 😀
Brave, or a way to test my assertiveness quotient. Before this incident I would have registered as “wimpy.” Now, “Miss Obnoxious stylist-dropper?”
Hey – it’s YOUR hair, not his. You get to pick and choose who gets to touch it.
Absolutely right! But how many of us are terrified to take this attitude when they’d like someone else to cut their hair? I sometimes ask when their day off is, and conveniently make an appointment with the other stylist when stylist #1 is basking in their backyard.
You make me smile this morning Ronnie , Nice post 🙂
Your smile reached all across the ocean, Jake. Thanks for your comment.
Burn. OK, his ego was crushed, but you are paying for a service and had the right to switch to a hairdresser who was a better fit for you. Years ago, I went to a hairdresser who was an acquaintance. He turned my chair so I couldn’t look in the mirror to see what he was doing. When he was done, he said, “You’re going to see something you’ve never seen before.” He was right. I stifled any screams or sobs I might have felt while in the shop. It was awful. I never returned. 😆
How awful!
Your reaction of not complaining, just leaving and never coming back is the attitude I used to have. Then I studied assertiveness techniques and now I can return things to stores, complain about a hotel room, and book a different hair stylist.
Either I used to be nicer, or I got tired of being timid, but either way I learned to speak up for myself.
Ronnie, you nailed it. I do dread having to return things, but do so on occasion.
Sometimes, you do have to speak up.
I did so when I was unhappy with a dental hygienist – comments she made while working with me were off-putting. So, I asked my dentist to switch me to one I had been happy with. She did, but I’m aware the other person still works in that office.
Ah, so relatable. I admire your courage. I was so chicken to switch stylists that instead, I switched salons!
I have been known to do this too, but I got tired of feeling guilty about who does my hair: kind of silly, when you think about it…
Uh-oh… but funny Haha, Ronnie! 😀
…and you, Mal, do you ever change stylists? Have you ever? Will you ever???
Have done, Ronnie, umpteen times! Need I say ’tis hugely embarrassing whenever I bump into them!!!
He probably had scissors in his hands at the time so all things considered this wasn’t the worst response you could have gotten. How awkward though.
You’re right, but there’d be too many witnesses for him to use those scissors the way he wanted to.
oooh, ouch! 🙂
Yes, probably for both of us.