Getting my hair cut.
Not the actual cutting itself, but the whole experience of it all. It takes me literally weeks to pluck up the courage/confidence to get it cut as I literally cannot bear to look at the places as I pass them. It got so bad about 2 years back that I didn't have my hair cut for about 8 months - my hair looked terrible, I looked terrible, but I literally feared going to the hairdressers.
The experience itself is what puts me off for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's the head moving thing. They constantly use their flat hand on your head (or grab it like a claw) to move you to where they want your head. I hate it. I spend most of my time during the cut itself trying to work out what they're going to do next so that I can second guess and move my head before they do, but even then, I still fail, and the aggressive hand comes out.
Then some of them like to string conversation together. That isn't as much of a problem, unless they start talking about sex, relationships or football...which is what they usually talk about. It's awkward, makes me feel uncomfortable and I just want to die.
Then I had a terrible experience at my last haircut where I had it done by a woman. Nothing against females cutting my hair AT ALL... but this one decided she was going to do it terribly, talk a LOT and also comment on my appearance and how I get my hair styled and how "the ladies like it when you add a bit of product". I constantly feel judged when I get my hair cut - from the moment I walk in and take a seat, to the moment I pay up - and that makes me feel so nervous.
I literally just came back from the barbers. It was the one I went to last time, but it's the only one close enough to me at a decent enough price. I'd say it's taken me at least a month of confidence and courage building this time around. Walked in, took a seat like last time, and the guy turns around, looks at me funny and says "I assume you've booked?". I genuinely thought it was just 'banter', especially as it was empty. I said "Nah mate". He said "You'll be waiting there a long time then. We're busy all day". I just fell to the floor in embarrassment and frustration and he's booked me in for 4.30 today for pity sake. I don't want to go back now - I feel like such a moron, and all the confidence I built over the past month has evaporated.
. Mainly because my diet has consisted of yogurt, soup and the occasional sandwich. It does feel weird when food touches it lol.
