Too much attention

[WaitingSoLong]

Ok, who doesn't like a hair compliment? I love them. But I realized last night there can be an excess, believe it or not.

I was going to braid my hair, but ended up washing it instead and wearing it down. I wore a silk shirt just for the occasion. It was a Christmas dinner for my husband's work (very small company, I think there were maybe 10 adults and all their kids there). We know these people pretty well. I wear my hair up enough that, apparently, they had not seen me with it down for quite some time. (AND I wore make-up, very rare LOL)

I got LOTS of hair compliments. But after about TEN, I started to squirm. I would turn and catch people staring at my hair. LONGINGly (the teen girls). The one guy my DH works with asked me one of the classic DUMB long hair questions TWICE. "Was your hair that long the last time I saw you?" (about 6 months ago). NO, I said, I GREW IT ALL SINCE THEN. Well he wouldn't let it go. Told me there was no way I could fit all that hair into the small bun he had seen me in (he had NEVER seen me with my hair down, he is new to the company). So I twisted it up real quick and showed him how compact it can be in a bun (ok, now I am giving hair demos as a Christmas Dinner?). I started to squirm about then.

My hair prompted a ladies conversation about how long their hair used to be and blah blah blah. I did not participate in that conversation. I never thought I would be ready for people to stop talking about my hair but seriously, I am introverted anyway and dislike being the topic of conversation and it took great amounts of self control not to run to the bathroom and put it all in a bun to end the drama. But then they would probably all talk about "how do you do that?" because I am sure they have never seen a hair stick, etc.

I guess I shoudl expect stuff like this, I mean, I guess my hair IS longer than most and it is blonde to boot which, now that I think of it, I cannot think of another long ahir around here with blonde hair.

It wasn't a horrible night, and a less shy person probably would have drank it in. Even my husband asnswered a few of the questions because they seriously could not believe I had that much hair and he could see I was growing weary of the attention. I dunno if they were thinking extensions or wig or what? I mean, surely they have seen hair as long as mine before?

But I didn't realize my hair was such a distraction, or centerpiece, or whatever. I mean, I am JUST A WOMAN and it is JUST MY HAIR. Of course I AM proud of my hair and it all sure stroked my ego. I have not been to a social function like that in years (except family only) and I guess I didn't realize that passing comments are nice, but when you are stuck with the people for a few hours it can get excessive.

I learned how to take compliments without feeling the need to degrade myself in the process (like, oh thanks but really its a pain).

Hey, at least not ONE of them criticized anything, like "you should cut it" or stupid crap like that. I should really be grateful. Thanks for "listening", I am just working through the unexpected barrage and pausing to find out how I feel about it all. How I feel about my hair being the centerpiece of my "looks".

PHEW. I feel better now. Just had to get that out.

[Nae]

I hate that when people do that about any personal trait. I have seen them all pile on about being overweight or under, being too tall or too short ect.

You had the unfortunate experience of being a conversation piece. I have had that happen to me too and I really feel your pain. *hugs*

[Themyst]

I would have handled the situation exactly as you did. I rarely wear my hair down anymore, lest I must brace myself for the barrage of "Wow! Your hair is really long!" (oh, I didn't know that), and the rest of the 'how do you' questions.

I just try to deal with it graciously while turning red and trying to plan my escape.

[dropinthebucket]

I mean, surely they have seen hair as long as mine before

Maybe not!

But how great, their life experience has just expanded, thanks to you - now they know there can be long hair!

And the more of that around, the better.

[Angeletti]

I don't blame you I'm the same way, it would really stress me out if I had a group of people paying attention to me all at once like that. Luckily you got through it and just make sure to wear your hair up for next year's party if you go : )

[mrs_coffee]

I probably would have run into the bathroom to hide. I *hate* attention like that. I think you handled yourself really well.

[jasper]

Your hair is beautiful and remarkable (not to add to the pile on ). It sounds like the dinner party host/hostess could have been more attentive to your comfort and introduced a new topic of conversation.

[spidermom]

It's hard to imagine long hair taking up such a big chunk of the conversation. I don't think it would happen around here. I guess you'll be wearing it up after this.

[Dreams_in_Pink]

You're so lucky! I've never been the center of discussion for the beauty of my hair.(unless i'm wearing some extensions)

[bluesnowflake]

As a fellow introvert, I feel your pain- the compliments are nice, but I hate being the center of attention. My hair isn't as long as yours (just waist) but I still get the endless comments. I find a simple thanks and then a change of topic works pretty well.