Personal Service people who shouldn't chit-chat
By vivasuzi
@vivasuzi (4127)
United States
October 2, 2009 11:45am CST
This was a topic on the radio today and it got me thinking. There are some jobs that require personal one-on-one service and attention. For example: masseuse, dentist, hair dresser, manicurist, etc.
In these jobs, is it ok to chit-chat with the client? I say YES for some and NO for others. The radio topic was about a masseuse who wouldn't stop chatting and asking the client questions. She just wanted a relaxing massage but felt she had to constantly answer questions. So I would think a masseuse shouldn't chit-chat other than to ask what you want and ask massage-related questions like "are you tense here?"
I also say NO the dentist shouldn't chit-chat, especially when their hands are in your mouth? How do you expect me to answer?
However, I am fine if the hair dresser or manicurist wants to chit chat because it makes the time go by faster and makes them feel like your friends. Here's where things get weird. The radio host said she actually DOESN'T want her manicurist to talk to her. I think that would just be awkward sitting there face to face with someone and not saying a word.
So what do you think? Are there jobs where it is taboo to chit-chat? Which jobs are these? Are there other jobs where you would like chit-chatting?
2 responses
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
19 Oct 09
I think making the appointment sociable is a part of many personal treatments,but I'd disagree with the Dentist doing this,as I'd rather they were concentrating on the correct tooth than social irrelevances! I always thought hair salons were as much a social centre as providing a hairdressing service,and would regard a Nail salon in the same way,though I could appreciate some not wanting constant chatter while they're being worked on..I'd agree,the massage thereapist should have a peaceful,relaxing environment,though!
1 person likes this
@vivasuzi (4127)
• United States
20 Oct 09
I agree, I would assume Nail techs talk just like your hair dresser does. It's kind of part of the job and often times the client and nail tech become friends to the point that every time they come in they know each other and have life updates to share.
But yes, would be weird if a massage therapist was asking you all sorts of stuff instead of just relaxing. I've never had one though, so maybe it wouldn't be so bad. I just know the people on the radio said they hate when the massage people talk.
@vivasuzi (4127)
• United States
20 Oct 09
Yeah well as a girl with long hair, I'm often there for an hour lol. However one thing that does bug me (which I'm sure you can't relate) is when they blow dry and try to talk to me. They are blowing air in my ears so I can't hear, then asking me questions which I can't hear :-D
Other than that, I enjoy a little chit chat as they cut and style my hair.
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
20 Oct 09
Speaking as As a Guy,I'm in the chair for only a few minutes getting my occasional buzz cut done,so I'm not there for too long to get caught up on whats going on locally..It's only that I'm known as a regular in the place that I'd get involved in any chat!
@edxcast (1168)
• Ecuador
2 Oct 09
I totally agree with you, except well i never had a manicure but I understand how awkward could be having someone in front and not saying anything. The dentist shouldnt chit-chat for the reason you said, but also in my case because i cant stand to have those things on my mouth and so the dentist should do it more quickly (i always want to vomit when the dentist´s on my mouth). Well she understand it and try to do it quickly so thats why im happy with my dentist.
1 person likes this
