You Don’t Remind Me of Anyone
I often use known people to describe new people. Living in a small community, this means referencing locals quite often. When I say, “that person is just like Jeff from the hardware store,” most people know who I mean. If need be, a historical figure, celebrity, or athlete will do the trick. “That lady looks like Reese Witherspoon.” You get the idea.
So today I was surprised when I met someone that I have no reference for. She cut my hair. She asked questions and empathized with my answers. She made my head look good. So good, in fact, that when I got home, my daughter said she wanted to get her bangs trimmed. Back to the salon we go!
When we walked in the door, this stylist greeted my daughter like she was the most special little girl in the world. They hit it off immediately. It was nonstop chatting through the whole session. No room for dad stories, dad interjections, or even dad jokes. I’m just a chauffeur for this trip. After the trim was complete, we walked to the truck and my daughter said, “She was the nicest person in the world.” That’s what I thought, and now I have a witness.
So how do I describe this person? First, she was incredibly positive. I noticed the energy coming from her the moment I walked in. It’s like when you have been out in the perfect amount of sun for a while. You aren’t sweating, but your skin is warm. You could say she had that kind of warm glow, like an incandescent light bulb.
Her style was very unique. Dark hair full of volume and life. Two different colors of light brown bangs swooped above her eyes, one on each side of her face. Large circular glasses hovered in front of her eyes, the thin metal frame buried in the wavy hair. She wore a long brown cardigan that had obviously seen many years of work, parties, and lounging sessions on the couch. A well lived-in garment full of its own stories.
When I sat in the spinning barber shop chair, she immediately made me comfortable. I don’t know how people do this. Maybe it’s the intimacy of someone putting their hands in your hair. Perhaps it is the fact that a good stylist is interested in this incredibly important thing you never discuss with anyone else - how to shape the hair on your head. Either way, it’s something that only good stylists, grandmothers, and elementary school teachers can pull off. I left relaxed, listened to, and ready for a large cookie.
But my favorite thing about this person is the fact that she is so singular. I can’t use a famous person to describe what she looked like. She didn’t have a speech pattern similar to any podcast host you listen to. Her questions weren’t like any you hear in interviews. This woman wore her distinctions so effortlessly. A totally new person in my world. I didn’t expect that when I woke up this morning, but now as I get ready for bed it is the best part of my day. Aren’t people awesome?
