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Several weeks ago, I wrote this board with a plea for advice. As a 45-year old male who had worn his hair short for all of his life, I seriously considered growing it long and wondered if I should go with my desire. I got some great advice and lots of encouragement...all of it very much appreciated. I thought I would give an update.I just returned from the barber shop with my regular short hair cut. I had gone nearly 15 weeks without a haircut and it was starting to get quite long. I liked the feel of it and the look was sure different for me. Yesterday morning, I even went jogging with may hair pulled back in a tiny little ponytail...it was that long already after 3 months. I have not doubt that if I could have kept growing it for the rest of the year, I would have had hair long enough to pull back comfortably and stylishly.It was tempting, but I gave it up. Here's why.First of all, my job requires high visibility and credibility for a government agency. I just couldn't risk losing any credibility because of the length of my hair. I know that is a lousy reason...but it is reality, and I do cherish my job. The culture of my agency just doesn't allow for men with long hair....especially from its "spokesperson".Secondly, and more importantly, I found myself becoming too interested and almost obsessed with my hair. It was becoming too important and was distracting me from higher priority issues with my life. I could just feel myself getting more obsessed as my hair got longer. I didn't think it was healthy.I am comfortable with my ultimate decision. In a world where people are not judged by such things as hair length, I might have stayed with it. But with a family to think about and a job that is important to me....and the fact that I don't want to be too selfish with my own desires...this is the best decision at this time.I'm not trying to be a martyr in denying my desire. But I just don't think I was ready to go through with wearing my hair long.I even shaved off my mustache after 22 years. Talk about a different look!Thank you all for the encouragement and great dialogue. You are all thoughtful people and I would be the first one to encourage anyone else to follow their dreams. I hope I didn't let any of you down by giving in. I'm still a huge fan of long hair (especially on women!) and will keep reading comments on this board with great interest.Al
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