My barber in Austin asked me if I was happy with my life while trimming my sideburns.

I was so surprised I said 'not really', and that three word answer in the chair started a whole year of therapy that actually helped.

4 comments

4 Comments

violar352mo ago

Notice how the most important questions always come from the wrong people at the wrong time. A cashier asks if you're okay and you spill your guts, but your best friend gets a shrug. It's like we're only honest when the setting feels safe because it doesn't matter.

jakejones2mo ago

Ever think it's not about safety but about low stakes? A cashier won't judge your whole life story, so it just falls out. Your friend's opinion actually matters, so you hold back.

tara6422mo ago

Oh man... that reminds me of how @violar35 put it. My dentist once asked if I was stressed and I just started crying in the chair.

anna_ellis882mo ago

Yeah... it's the zero stakes thing. They're a total stranger so their opinion doesn't cost you anything.