What is the word I'm looking for?

[Nakoma]

I can't find the word for what I am trying to describe. So I just want to tell my story, and have some help looking for the word, so I can articulate myself more accurately.

I'm a hairdresser.

I specialize in women's hair, but I know how to do men's hair with the exception of Fades. I am very open about that. I tell men who have a fade, and want their hair done by me, not to get it done by me because that is not in my skillset.

If they want a simple 1 blade size on the sides and scissor on top, that is easy and can do it. Otherwise, I enjoy doing men's hair on the longer side, and styling.

With that said...

A "friend" ... knows I don't do fades, and he has had his hair done by me several times. It's a 2 on the sides, and scissor on top.

The other day... he comes to get his haircut. Sits down in the chair, and says, "Can I get a 2 faded up?" With this sense of arrogance in his tone.

Sort of like he's trying to act like he knows what he's talking about, and remembers that I can't do them. Like trying to take a shot at my confidence? As if, I am insecure to do a fade? Which it's not an insecurity... I just don't want to do them. I enjoy: extensions, balayage, styling, etc.

ANYWAY..

I can't find the word for what I am trying to describe. Help? It's killing me.

[Sonorous]

Chatgpt's response:

It sounds like you're looking for a word to describe the feeling or behavior of your "friend" when he requested a fade from you, despite knowing that you don't offer that service. The word that may capture the essence of his behavior is "provocative" or "provocation."

In this context, his tone and choice of hairstyle request seem designed to provoke a reaction, perhaps to challenge your expertise or test your confidence. You could describe his behavior as "provocative" because he's intentionally pushing boundaries or trying to create a reaction.

You might also consider terms like "taunting," "teasing," or "baiting" to describe his actions. These words all suggest that he may be trying to provoke a response from you, even though you've clearly communicated your specialization and limitations as a hairdresser.

[Nakoma]

YES! Like he is trying to provoke me. Why would someone do that?

[Sonorous]

chatgpt's response:

People may engage in provocative behavior for various reasons. Some common motivations for provocation include:

Testing Boundaries: Some individuals enjoy pushing boundaries to see how others react. They may want to test your confidence or see if they can get you to change your stance.

Attention-Seeking: Provocative behavior can be a way for people to garner attention. They may believe that by challenging you, they will become the center of the conversation or situation.

Insecurity: Sometimes, people who feel insecure or inadequate may engage in provocative behavior to deflect attention from their own shortcomings or to feel superior by putting others on the defensive.

Competitiveness: In some cases, individuals might see interactions as competitions and engage in provocation as a way to assert dominance or superiority.

Personal Agenda: It's possible that your "friend" had a specific reason for requesting the fade, such as wanting to challenge your skills, prove a point, or even just to see your reaction.

Understanding the underlying motivation for provocative behavior can help you respond appropriately. In this case, calmly reiterating your specialization and limitations as a hairdresser and maintaining professionalism would be a suitable response. It's essential to stay true to your expertise and not let provocations affect your confidence or your professional boundaries.

[Nakoma]

Great answer. Who is Chatgpt?

[Sonorous]

chatgpt's response:

I am ChatGPT, a large language model developed by OpenAI based on the GPT-3.5 architecture. I'm not a real person, but rather a computer program designed to understand and generate human-like text based on the input provided to me. My purpose is to assist with answering questions, providing information, offering explanations, and engaging in text-based conversations on a wide range of topics. If you have any questions or need assistance with anything, feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to help!

[Nakoma]

Wild. Really wild. Thank you for sticking it into the AI for me.

[Sonorous]

chatgpt's response:

You're welcome! Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need assistance with anything else. I'm here to help!

[Nakoma]

lol I will

[spartan55]

I really think that was just his way of saying he wanted the same haircut as last time. Guys don't change hairstyles very often.

[Anonymous]

sounds like a situation that requires inventing a word.
so go ahead , there's no law against it and its necessary act for our language to evolve.
you go girl

[BLP11520]

A word for what?

[spartan55]

That's what I thought too.

[JHAYES317]

Gaslighting maybe?