Yeah, I read something about how casual chat can actually lower stress hormones. @jessem59 is right about barbers and Uber drivers, it's like a social cue that everything's normal. For example, if the masseuse mentions their dog or a funny show, it distracts from any awkwardness. The client's brain switches from feeling exposed to just having a regular conversation. That mental shift lets the muscles relax way faster. I heard a therapist say once that talking about simple stuff can make people feel safe enough to let go.

Wait, what exactly did you do that was so public? I remember you telling me about that work meeting last month, but I figured it was just between a few people. The fact that it got out to everyone changes everything.

Honestly, @susan81 has a point about price hikes. My buddy who makes custom knives doubled his rates last spring. He ended up with so much free time he took up beekeeping, of all things. Now he sells honey at the same markets and makes almost as much from that as the knives, but without the stress.