My regular hairdresser has moved away. Had to get my haircut. Didn't try one i used once before because they did appointments and somehow that makes it more stressful. Going to a new place is stressful...

* i'd better wash my hair before i go, but it can't be too wet because that's probably weird
* it seems to be full of cool people. i'm not a cool person, is everyone thinking "look at the uncool person"
* do i need an appointment?
* i can't find the prices. what if I get my haircut and its really expensive?
* do i explain in great detail what bits to cut or give them some leeway? he must be wondering how much to cut off surely.
* do i do smalltalk if they aren't talking to me? start thinking of smalltalk topics just in case (football, holidays)
* do i move my head or wait for them to move it?
* he isn't cutting it short enough, do i now tell him to cut it shorter or wait till next time
* how much do i tip?
* oh no my haircut is taking a long time and others are waiting. the other person got theirs done in half the time
* is he slow or taking extra care to win me as a future customer?
* does he think i'm a weirdo? i bet he's thinking it the whole time
* he's offered me a drink. i'm really thirsty but i say no because it's all so awkward
* the other hairdresser is glancing at me while doing the other person. is it because he doesn't recognise me, or because my haircut is taking so long and there's people waiting?
* is this song on repeat? it sounds like the previous 2 songs
* do I now have to come back here forever because i've been once?
* why is he spending so long on my neck, i can't even see that bit
* why did he not offer me a mirror to see the back of my neck - that's what they usually do - has he carved his name in the back of my head?
* what if i come back next time and the previous person is cutting someone else's hair, is there a social rule that says i need to wait for the person who did mine last time, or can i just use the other person if they are free?

everyone else looks relaxed, but i'm exhausted.

#actuallyautistic @actuallyautistic