Why does nobody talk about how much small talk matters in the chair

I had this older guy come in last month, regular appointment, sat down and just went quiet. I usually chat people up but he seemed off so I kept it professional. Halfway through the haircut he just said 'my wife passed three weeks ago' and I almost dropped my clippers. I didn't know what to say so I just slowed down a bit and nodded. After I finished he shook my hand and said 'thanks for not pushing me to talk today'. Been thinking about that a lot. Makes me wonder how many guys come in just needing a quiet space for 30 minutes. Any of you ever have a moment like that where keeping your mouth shut was the right call?

2 comments

2 Comments

mitchell.shane5d ago

Used to be all about filling silence with shop talk or sports. That story hits different, man. Never really thought about the quiet guys before, just figured they were shy or in a hurry. Now I catch myself reading the room more, letting customers lead the conversation or lack of it. That handshake he gave you says everything, sometimes the best thing you can offer is just your presence and a pair of scissors. Definitely changed how I see my time behind the chair, more than any big tip ever could.

uma_patel195d ago

Wait, he actually cried in your chair?