I have come to a conclusion...

That I have no backbone. Let me share an experience that has caused me to be aware of this problem.

My sister's wedding in on Saturday (March 17). In preparations--and as to not embarrass the family--I needed a haircut and a pedicure.

So first the haircut. This was the funnest haircut I've ever received because my friend Karie was getting hers done at the same time by the same guy...he's a multi-tasker I guess. So while Karie's highlights were processing he cut mine and we talked. Very fun. After my hair was cut Karie was ready to be addressed, so Bao (my stylist) calls over a "dryer girl" to come dry my hair. Clearly it is her first day. It was the most frustrating and painful process. The frustration came because I wanted to rip the blow dryer and brush out of her hands and so it myself. Generally I enjoy having someone do my hair--this was not one of those times. At one point I thought, "Rachel could probably do this with the same effect." This girl had no hair drying skills to speak of. But, I tried to be patient and enjoy the fact that I could visit (somewhat) with Karie.

Then the burning started. I am surprised that a) I have any hair left to speak of and b) I don't have 3rd degree burns on my scalp. This is where the backbone problems comes in. I could not find it in me to bring the fact that she was causing me pain to her attention. I did not want to make HER feel bad. So I endured the pain. At one point I mentioned that it was "a little hot" and asked if there was another heat setting that she could use. That helped a bit, but there was still some burning involved.

So my head throbbing...I headed off and ran into another place to get a quick pedicure--the sandals we are wearing for the wedding warranted this. The lady was very nice...but did not speak a stitch of English. There was just a lot of smiling going on between us. Now, there are some things that are just universal...expressions I believe are one of them. The pedicure was going just fine...you know you are not addressing your feet's needs properly when they have to get out the electric sander for your heels.

They she started the trimming process. I keep my toe nails neatly trimmed. I do not like them long by any means. As she trimmed I started to feel as if I was under going some sort of Vietnamese torture--yes she was Vietnamese--and that she was removing my toe nails from my toes. And yet, again, I found myself not wanting to make her feel bad for this. I know that my facial expressions would have been understood, but yet I chose to endure the pain and spare her any bad feelings.

My toes look great though...as does my hair!

So I've decided I need to take a stand. So watch out!!