AITJ for telling my barber of 5 years I stopped coming because he got too expensive
Been going to the same barber since 2021. One of those guys who remembers exactly how you want your hair without you saying anything, always had good conversation, just an easy comfortable routine.
Earlier this year he moved to a new spot and bumped his price from $30 to $50. I get it, new location, higher rent whatever, but I just quietly started going somewhere cheaper near my job instead. Never told him, just stopped booking.
Ran into him at a gas station last week and he clocked my fresh cut immediately. First thing he says is "you went somewhere else huh, how come you ghosted me" and I panicked and just told him the truth, that $50 was too much for me right now. I mean between that and a few other things I've been cutting back on I've actually managed to keep some extra cash around, but still.
He got quiet and visibly annoyed. Said "you could've just told me, we could've worked something out" and it got really awkward really fast. Wasn't aggressive but you could tell he was hurt.
Am I supposed to negotiate prices with my barber?? I didnt even know that was a thing. I thought just not showing up sent the message on its own.
AITJ?