A Road Less Travelled

I know I have long hair because people frequently point it out to me. “You have such long hair!”, they say. I usually assume it’s meant as a compliment and say ‘thank you’. I’m never quite sure though. Maybe they really were just making an observation. Maybe they were afraid I hadn’t noticed. Just once I would like to respond by grabbing my hair, screaming, and saying “Where did THAT come from?!?”.

But I say ‘thank you’, and I wait. Some people drop the subject, but quite a few go on to say, “Have you ever thought about donating your hair?” This is a tough one to answer because I have quite frequently–not through my own choice but through people bringing up the subject. Usually I just listen politely while they tell the whole story of a relative who donated her hair. I’m at a loss as to what to say. Anything that says, “I’ve always had long hair and I don’t want to cut it off.” always seems to sound rather rude and selfish.

I don’t quite understand it. I’ve never had anyone come up and tell me, “Oh, what a lovely dress you’re wearing today. Have you ever thought about donating your clothes to the Salvation Army?”

I have an idea. Perhaps I’ve been assuming too much in thinking of the first statement as a compliment. Perhaps these people really think that I don’t know I have long hair. After informing me, they helpfully provide a solution in case the discovery should distress me. It all makes sense now…