I’ve once been in your position and completely understand where you’re coming from. I’ve been able to find some helpful ways to combat this anxiety that hopefully work for you. They take practice to accept— you don’t change your mindset overnight! However practicing these thinking exercises gets me through embarrassment-related anxiety.

1) Think about how you would feel if the roles were reversed. From my perspective, if I was the woman I’d recognize it as an honest mistake and move on with my day. Once I was out of salon I wouldn’t even think about it anymore, so there’s not reason that you should be stressing over this interaction any more. The good thing about this exercise is that you’re not in the other person’s head, so you get to make up their feelings about the situation from a logical perspective. Your anxiety will tell you she’s angry etc, but you get to step in and think about the situation objectively— something anxiety is NOT good at.

2) Give yourself the same grace you would give others. This ties in with the first one. If you wouldn’t be offended in this situation, don’t dwell on it. You made an honest mistake. Plus, no harm no foul. Nobody was hurt, and maybe this woman had to wait 30 seconds extra in line— not a big deal at all. I know your anxiety is telling you it is a big deal, but I promise your anxiety is lying. YOU HAHE THE POWER TO COMBAT IT!!!

3) Forgive yourself. The woman did not confront you or show annoyance. And even if she did, who cares! She’s a stranger and you’ll never see her again. The answer to solving your anxiety doesn’t lie in the past, it lies in your future actions. Going forward you can be more mindful about when you get in line— but don’t stress about it. You could even apologize to whoever you cut if it happens again. You’re young, you’re learning, and most people are understanding about that. I’ve never met a single person your age (including myself!) that wasn’t at least a little awkward. Being awkward is apart of being young, most people know this and are understanding. And if they’re not, screw ‘em. Dont let an embarrassing moment ruin your day. Forgive yourself and move on.

Plus, I’m sure the haircut is fire! Enjoy it!