I called my hair stylist for a haircut last week, in desperation. With our slashed family budget, my hair has taken a back seat to little things like, oh.....eating food and keeping the lights on. For a self-proclaimed "hair-girl," it's been a painful exercise in hair-denial, but I've managed to wield scissors in the bathroom and keep the roots at bay with home coloring kits. But the long journey of bootleg hairstyling can only go so far and then...you gotta call in a professional.
My hairstylist, Carol, is like Edward Scissorhands. When she works her magic, there is hair flying everywhere, and within seconds, she is done. But she sat me down and took a look at what I had going on. She shook her head and murmured, "Mmmmm-hmmmmm. Ummm. Oh. You really need color." She pressed her lips together. "Ummm-UMM! This is not good."
Well, I don't need to apologize for the entire state of the American economy and its affect on our business, so I simply said, "Carol, you are first on my list just as SOON as I can afford your fine highlighting services."
She began cutting. And I relished her professionalism. Sitting in that chair was about the best thing I could have been doing at that moment. Last week was such a low point in my life that I really appreciated a few minutes of pampering. I didn't have the inner strength tell her what had been going on.
Suddenly she stopped. "Rachel Anne, I'm sorry but I just can't stand to see your hair like this." She dug through my scalp and let my lackluster locks slide through her fingers in dismay. "This is just...tragic. It's that bad."
Carol really takes pride in her work, and my hair has been, at times, a shining example of her supreme skill. I'm sure the prospect of seeing one of her magnificent cuts wasted on such dull hair was just killing her.
"Look, come in on Wednesday and let me do your color for you. You can pay me later, but I just can't let you live like this."
Oh, Carol! I just love your blunt way of telling me what you really think. See, in our family, we make beating around the bush an art form. We seem to like ambiguity and gray areas that are open to interpretation. But I'm taking a cue from you and I'm going to learn to make things clearer when I communicate! It's so much better not to make people guess what I really mean when I say something.
We could all probably use some help in learning how to say things in a way that is both clear AND kind. See, Carol told me she hated my hair color, but since she offered me such a great solution, how could I possibly be offended? Are you kidding?? I'm on cloud nine because I'm getting highlights, lowlights and everything in between today! Lay it on me, baby.
Today's Small Thing is to say at least one thing that is both clear and kind. It's easy to be direct and sort of mean without realizing it. It takes a bit more effort to use a tone that communicates kindness, love and helpfulness. Maybe you need to instruct your children, encourage your man, or speak to a customer service person today. Getcha some good Company Girl points by speaking in a way that makes your message clear, and makes the listener feel good!
POINTS: 40!
How about some examples of clear and kind communication? Let us know what's being said at your house today!
