Comments on: How the Spirit of Dale Carnegie Saved My Life at the Barber Shop

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:48:58 +0000

Tessa: I agree with you 100 percent. That’s exactly what I attempted to do and what a challenge that was! Try to stay under control under a potentially dangerous situation. Like you said, a verbal and then possibly physical response would only make things worse. It was a heck of an experience. Thanks for chiming in Tessa!

By: Tessa Beausoleil

Tessa Beausoleil — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:43:03 +0000

In the world we are surrounded by people who have different cultures due to upbringing. This is automatically a remedy for conflict. What one believes is right and proper may not be the case viewed by another person. So the best way to avoid conflict is to try your best to be calm in an attempt to water down the fire. Don’t forget the other person is really trying his/her best to provoke you anyway. So you are already fighting a losing battle. I recently found myself in a similar situation, it costed me a lot more than $12 but the point here is it is very difficult to get an angry person to see reasoning, because he/she vehemently believes he is right and you should see things his/her way. It’s like trying to reason with a mad man with a cutlass in hand. Your best bet is to walk away, save your ego for a fight you know you can win. Of course if you think legally you stand a better chance then go for it. But even that can be a lengthy, drawn out procedure.

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:30:49 +0000

Thanks Farrah – I was practically speechless myself!

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:27:32 +0000

Adam – Well it’s funny because after what happened, I didn’t like him very much either. I never went back. It’s long over and I’ve moved on but if someone is in business, they should get to know the customer, not the other way around. But it was just as well – the guy didn’t like me for whatever reason (I probably triggered something in him that actually has nothing to do with me) and so it worked out. He lost a potential customer and I found myself another barber whose service was much more amicable. Thanks though for contributing your thoughts!

By: Adam Angelona

Adam Angelona — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:40:51 +0000

I own a small business. It sounds like you got a good dose of capitalism. You walked into a sole proprietorship expecting the results of a franchise. This guy simply didn’t like you. The best way to deal with this is to get to know the owner. Don’t treat him like Wal-Mart. The reason he’s in business is to provide the exact opposite of what you demaned. It’s like going to a restaurant withou a menu… this guy does it all. Tip him well and you’ll always have a barber.
Cheers!…. try again!

By: Farrah Nunley

Farrah Nunley — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 06:45:42 +0000

Wow..I wouldn’t be even able to speak.. I admire the way you handled it..

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:23:32 +0000

@ April:

Wow, what an experience! Thanks a lot for sharing it with me. I felt as if I were right there watching the whole scene unfold. A stranger walking toward you after a situation like that can be a scary experience! I’ve had similar experiences myself and I also reacted the same way you did.

By: April

April — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:54:52 +0000

I had a situation that was very difficult like yours. I was looking for a parking spot at the grocery store. The car in front of me looked like he was going to keep on going and he passed the spot that was open right in front of both of us. So, I began to turn into it… then realized that the guy who was in front of me was actually pulling forward so that he could back into the spot that I was pulling into.. but I didn’t realize this, he didn’t put on his turning signal or signal in any way that this was what his intentions where. I quickly realized he was angry. At me! He circled around and stared at me. Then parked somewhere else, then got out of his car walking towards me. I was sitting in my car flipping through my coupons. My window was closed. He came up to me, started banging on my window and yelling, “YOU ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT!!” “I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME” “STOP IGNORING ME” I just froze, thinking should I call the police. I couldn’t get out of my car. I was shaking all over. Finally he walked away and went inside the store. Wow. I was extra kind the everyone I came in contact with after that experience!!

By: Stephen Hopson

Stephen Hopson — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:44:41 +0000

@ Laurie:

It was a very difficult situation and one that I never dreamt I’d find myself in. It was the first time a barber became “menacing” in such close proximity. Needless to say, I never went back but I drive by every day since I live so close. Interestingly enough, he’s still in business but not open every day. Who knows?

We each have our own way of responding to situations like this – some people I know would have beaten him to a pulp, not caring what happened to themselves (jail or arrest, etc). You bet it called for tremendous restraint!

By: Laurie

Laurie — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 00:01:22 +0000

Well, I have to say you are a better man than I (even if I am a woman). I recently attempted to talk to this owner of a local mail shop. I had a mail box in it and their service was bad. I wanted to cancel the box and get a prorated refund. I was attempting to explain what I wanted to the “man” when he started interrupting me over and over again. I asked he he could let me finish explaining my reasoning without interrupting. He actually told me he would interrupt me when ever he wanted to. He was angry and mean. I’m sad to say I didn’t handle it with the class you did. I don’t think I have ever been so angry at a sales person before. I was yelling at the guy and he was threatening me with the police. At one point I thought he was going to hit me. I almost wish he had but it would have been too much hassle having him arrested. I just have never met someone like him before. He has a reputation for being a jerk. I can’t imagine his business lasting too long with his attitude. Like I said, you are a better man than me! )