The Lipstick Merchant

I was in the dentist's office when there was the sound of the door sliding open and sandals stepping onto the linoleum floor. A dental hygienist set a second fan to blow towards the multiple beads of sweat forming on my brow, smiled, gave me a thumbs up, then walked out of the office to meet the newcomer.

There was the sound of something being placed on the reception desk, and the click of leather being unclasped. I heard several excited sounds from the three other dental hygienists, followed by an exchange between the first dental hygienist and the newcomer in Thai, and then some laughing.

The newcomer had a deep voice, and spoke in shorter clips with emphasis, kindness, and pauses to allow whatever was in the briefcase to speak for itself. I went out to greet him, smiling and pushing my two hands together while bowing. He smiled and returned the greeting, not bowing as deep towards me because I was younger than him.

Inside the briefcase were two cases holding lipstick of varying colors set atop a black velvet lining. I looked at the three other dental hygienists and pointed at the lipstick, smiling and giving a thumbs up.

Their mouths opened in mock surprise and they shook their head. The lipstick merchant explained it would be OK to try out the product. One dental hygienist with a handkerchief over her hair and a very warm and determined face stepped forward towards the suitcase. I smiled and made way.

She chose a light pink lipstick, applied it slowly to her lips, then turned around to face her coworkers. One of her coworkers said “Wow!” and we all laughed and cheered with her. The lipstick merchant looked at me with a slight raise of his eyes to which I nodded. The dental hygienist asked me “Are you sure?” and I nodded and smiled.

I received many “thank you!”s, to which I returned one simple bow with both hands pressed together. When my friend arrived, the lipstick merchant spoke to her about me. Then he looked at me, I looked at my friend, and all of my friend's coworkers looked at her. She put up both of her hands smiling, “No, no!” So I looked back at the lipstick merchant, shrugged, and we concluded business.

This was in Banmaichaiyaphot, a village eight hours northeast of Bangkok in Thailand. Smiling, nodding, and using a thumbs up will help people warm up to you as you get to know them. Learning the Thai greeting also helps show respect and openness towards the Thai culture and being included in experiences like above.