Have you ever performed on stage or given a speech?

The other day, I was chatting with a friend and admitted something that might sound odd: I get crippling anxiety about going for a haircut.

In fact, I told them I’d much rather give a presentation to 100 people than sit in that chair waiting for someone to cut my hair and trim my beard. And I’ve done plenty of presentations—webinars online and training sessions in person. Sure, I get nervous, but nothing compares to the awkwardness of a haircut.

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The Awkward Silence (or Lack of It)

I doubt I’m the only one who feels this way. Surely someone has invented a “silent appointment” by now? A service where you don’t have to be rude and say, “Can we not talk, please?” I don’t want to chat about what I do for a living or how my day’s going—I just want my hair cut. Honestly, I’d tip extra for the silence, even if the haircut wasn’t perfect.

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Performing on Stage? No Problem.

When it comes to being in front of people, I’m surprisingly comfortable. I’ve delivered webinars and training sessions, which were fun, but the real highlight has to be my cousin and I performing Mr Brightside by The Killers. We’ve taken our karaoke act around the world—Jakarta, London, Bucharest. Of course, we forgot the words! In Jakarta, my cousin even managed to convince everyone we were professional singers… until it became very clear we weren’t.

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For Now, Anxiety on Pause

Anyway, I’ve just had my haircut, so I won’t have to deal with that crippling anxiety for another two or three weeks. Bliss.