Barbershop Etiquette
I got a haircut yesterday. The guy did a good job, everything is neatly trimmed and clean, but the visit was a bit awkward. He tried to make small talk when I first sat down in the chair and I answered all of his questions (what do you do, where are you from, etc.), but the questions were soon followed by silence.
Prior to moving to Dallas, I had used the same guy to cut my hair for 15 years. Over the course of that time, I developed a rapport with him and the conversations were always natural and easy (Rangers, Cowboys and college football). Since moving to Dallas, I’ve used several different people to cut my hair, but have yet to develop a relationship with any of them. With that said, it’s always a bit of an awkward situation when I walk in for a trim.
It got me to thinking, what is the proper etiquette when sitting in the chair? Am I supposed to initiate the conversation with the cutter, or they with me? Is it rude not to strike up a conversation with the person cutting my hair? I noticed an older gentlemen in the seat next to me pretending to sleep, would that be considered rude?
That is the exact reason I decided to get rid of all the hair, no need for forced conversation, and the only person I talk to is me, and I usually agree with everything I say.