I Learned a Valuable Lesson Today

Today was humbling.

I am the first to admit I have no social skills and often judge people, usually harshly, if they are the opposite of me.

I did this at the nail salon today.

I had gone on a whim, as a treat for myself before going to work.  I always go to the same place, its a good 20 minute ride but the staff is great, and the prices are right and they are open hours that I can manage with my retail schedule.

So I'm sitting there with one of the guys I often get and in walks this woman, who was talking to everyone to the point of seemingly bothering a few of the staff which I think was my initial moment of judging. She seemed nice enough but also really pushy. And me being me I automatically wrote her off, because sadly that's what I do. Like I said, I can't for various reasons carry on conversations like that never mind really want to know about others to the point of making sure they answer me.

So we were next to one another and I was just minding my own business, watching the football game and when prompted giving answers to the manicurist.

I find myself at the sink to wash up before polishing and paying next to said woman. We didn't say much then but I did allow her to walk out first because she had a cane. Talking nicely to people is hard, I'm more direct and honest to a fault, but those kinds of social norms I have mastered.

Anyways. So we each wash up and get polished. I then find myself in the dryer next to her. And truth be told I was nervous at first. I didn't want to have a conversation, I go there to decompress and get some ME time. But I think she may have sensed that and wasn't strong like she was with the others in the shop. Instead she eased in, that kind of conversation I can deal with, especially if I don't have to initiate. We wound up talking for a good 20 minutes, I even did an extra dry cycle to continue our conversation and not leave at an awkward mid discussion point.

I left feeling awful for judging her at first but so happy that I was given the chance to have a one on one with her. We actually have a lot in common, she's really nice and I hope that the next time I go there in a few weeks that she's there.

I learned something today. And I'm glad I did.