I erred on the side of caution. There have been so many times in the past couple of weeks where I was going to cut my hair, then I wasn't, then I was. I made an appointment to get it cut, then I decided to cancel.
I guess it's this damned awkward phase at around the ten month mark that's playing with my head, because the bangs are long enough to be a pain but too short to tuck behind the ears. I'm also trying to come to terms with the idea of long hair AND muscles, not that I'm particularly muscly yet but I am getting bigger. I don't want to look like one of those wrestlers. This could be just a self-confidence thing which has dogged me all my life. Perhaps when my hair is a few inches longer it will look more appealing to me.
The guy I live with keeps on saying 'don't cut it or you'll regret it'. He used to have long hair and he pined for it as soon as it was gone, so I guess I have to hang in there.
The stupid thing is, in some way, I feel like I'd be letting others down if I cut it (meaning you guys), which is silly because it is my decision.
It might be just hair, but it's amazing how much power it has to manipulate your mind. Unfortunately it continues to do so on a daily basis.
LukeB
Hi Luke,
I think it's good that you decided to hang in. I'm sure there are some tricks to deal with the bangs until you can put them behind your ears.
This "close call" makes me think of the Crosby Stills Nash & Young song "I almost cut my hair", which ends with the words "I feel like I owe it to someone". I agree with you, that "someone" whom you'd owe it to, that only could be yourself.
However, a strong sense of commitment and a huge dose of community support (goes both ways, by the way) are legitimate means to reach your goal, and certainly a bridge across the troubled waters of the awkward stage.
If weight is a problem in your eyes, there are certainly ways to address that - possibly self help groups would know all the tips and tricks you'd need to know. I also have heard that a book by Allen Carr about adressing weight issues can be helpful. (This guy is mainly known for his books on how to kick the smoking habit. He's excellent in what he does.)
You certainly did NOT err in this instance, in my opinion, you avoided a "serious" error.
Just in case: I do think that big guys in particular look better with long hair.
Best wishes, hang on, and grow it forever!
Hans-Uwe
P.S.: I do think that your buddy is right. Maybe, some day, you can talk him into growing his hair back?
always use the two week rule!!
That's right, it is your decision, and don't let the thought of letting anyone down here or elsewhere ever bother you a bit.
I will just say that take a look at Triple H or even Jericho if you think you won't look right more muscular with that hair hanging down over your shoulders framing your pectorals and gathering on your trapezii.
Hey Luke, I'm with you (see my similar post just below). The awkward stage is a pain in the glutimus maximus and seems to last quite a while. But to use an old cliche', no pain no gain.
I have been having the ups and downs during this stage also; I am guessing you and I are at about the same growth stage. My hair does appear to be longer from the back, but it's due to the fact that, as my wife so plainly states, I have no neck.
Don't worry about who others think you look like; you look like you. And don't worry about size; I'm 6'1" (1.85m) and 285 pounds (130kg). When people say something about my being big, I just tell them I have hit my playing weight . . . . . . . . . .
I have also been thinking about cutting my hair for other reasons, but am committed to getting through Christmas without a cut or trim, and will reevaluate at that time. This gives me a full year of growth starting from mid-ear, and should be a good indication of how my appearance will be with longer hair. It might be beneficial to set a goal date to reach and commit yourself to taking no action until you reach that date and then evaluate where you are at that point in time.
Like you, my main source of support has been here on this board. Stick with it as will I; I'm sure we both will be pleased with the end result.
Big George
"It might be just hair, but it's amazing how much power it has to manipulate your mind."
Tell me about it! It grows into your personality in a way. About your thoughts of cutting it's a decision, like you said, all up to yourself and if it's making you feel uncomfortable you have the right to buzz it off, allthough that would be a shame. ;) I sometimes get sick and tired of my bangs blocking my sight in my everydays work and just won't stay in the tie like the rest of the hair. In times like these it would be very tempting to just cut them off right off if I had a pair of scissors nearby. But I try to convince myself how much I would regret it; this is something I've been putting up with for 1 1/2 years so far, what good would it do to cut it now? I still like it. And it would all have been for nothing.
You should do what you feel is right but not for the cause of other peoples thoughts or, for that matter, what the awarage think or look like. Glad you decided to keep it though!
Well, its your desicion, I would keep it, but I hope you don't have to learn the hard way.
Hey Luke,
Glad you didn't cut it. I know it can be a pain before you can put your hair behind your ears but it does come and after that its all easier. I think you will look great with long hair and I don't see how being longhaired and in great shape are contradictory. Several people here who work out posted and they looked great. I can't see a problem with it. When I started growing I had hoped to be able to do what you are doing and work out more. I have not been able to yet but I still hope to do so. I really encourage you to continue with both as an inspiration to all of us :)