The Catskill Chronicle

Twice Divorced – By Grayce Goin

Dear Twice Divorced:

For the better part of my teen and adult life I have had very long hair, sometimes midway down my back, once or twice nearing my waist. I don’t really want to sound vain but I’ve been blessed with beautiful hair…when it’s taken care of and not left to dry wildly.

Certain people have been telling me for years I am too old to have hair this long. Is there some rule unbeknownst to me that states, when I reach a certain age, my hair must be barely touching my shoulder or even shorter? 

I’ve cut it that short a couple of times over the years when I developed some “wild hair about changing my look,”…and was miserable with it. NO, it’s not easier to style, only faster to dry!

I’m nearing 50, it’s well below my shoulders again and I take good care of it. When short on time, which is often, it’s pulled back off my face in a pony tail or twisted up. What’s the deal? Isn’t it important how you feel about yourself, not other’s opinions of how you should look?

In an interesting side note, when I have cut, it my male friends have hated it and the females just think it’s so flattering. I don’t agree.

Waist Bound Again  

Dear Waist Bound,

I have no idea why people act this way; maybe because short hair on wizened women is the norm, or maybe they are envious. Whatever the case, ignore them, it’s your problem to deal with not theirs, I do have one comment however, on the ponytail issue – it is not professional, period, end of sentence. I also had long hair for many years and do miss it terribly – unfortunately, my hair has become entirely too fine to pull off that style any longer, and I am a little envious of your wonderful locks.

Too many people seem to think they are the arbiters of what is appropriate for others and they need to hear this message loud and clear:  If you are not being harmed, and your opinion has not been asked, MYOB. Of course it is fine to pay someone a compliment, but to expect someone to change to fit your notion of how they should live is the height of arrogance.

So, enjoy your long tresses for as long as your hair is strong enough to carry off the style, then you will have to do what the rest of us are already doing.

Be Well

Letters can be sent to deartwice@yahoo.com or Catskill.Chronicle@yahoo.com. Be sure to put Twice Divorced in the Subject line.

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