new thread
I had a doctor's appointment with my PCP, an Osteopath. She often has students trailing her for the day, and there was a future doctor there today. A young man with a head full of gorgeous long brown curls creeping towards his shoulders. Of course, I HAD to say something. He smiled and said, I'm probably going to end up cutting it for job interviews. So, during my exam, we're having this conversation. I told him that if he slicked it back with some gel, nobody would be the wiser. Right now he lets it grow wild. My doctor asked if I would allow him to participate in the exam, Of course, I said "Sure"! I think that eye candy was making MY day!
Reason for growing it out? He's sick of cutting it all the time, he decided he wanted to ignore it and let it do it's own thing. And he's grown to love it, but he said his parents hate it (WHERE have we all heard THAT before?)! I told him he should tell his parents that it's his hair, and he is old enough to make his own decisions regarding it. But he did say that he got lot's of positive comments from the female patients (Haha, we all secretly want them with long hair). He looked sad when talking about having to lop of all those gorgeous curls.
I kept encouraging him, and so did my female doctor! She told him that we were from an era (60's to 70's) where freedom of expression was in, and longhair on men was commonplace. She also said he really should not cut his hair. He really hasn't had much support, so his shadowing for my doctor probably boosted his self-esteem a bit, since he got so many positive comments from staff and patients. I gave him some suggestions, including telling him about the hyperboard, so maybe a new face will show up, or at least he might lurk. I told him that the MLHH would give him the support he needs, plus helpful suggestions on dealing with the corporate conformiosts types he is likely to make.
The smile on his face literally lit up the room. I could tell that his day was made. I'd love to be the fly-on-the-wall listening on on what he tells the rents. Ha! Middle-aged woman encourages longhair rebellion in youth! I think he's gonna stick it out. I told him not to cut it, and he grinned and said, "I won't"! Someday, there's going to be an Osteopath in practice, with an incredible head full of gorgeous long curls. What a cutie patootie, and he's got a good start on bedside manner. I wish him future success as both a doctor and a longhair. As shy as I normally am, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. Today's young men face so much adversity over something as trivial as hair length!
Carol
Well done Carol!
Mouse
Ah, but if only I had met someone as supportive as you, I would have gotten to where I am far earlier in life. I hope a 'professional' can show that long hair can be complimentary and professional looking.
Thanks for advocating for us, Carol!
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
You and your curls immediately came to mind, when I saw him. His are still sticking out about everywhere, but just long enough that the lower ones just reached his shouders.
Carol
WHOOO! ^_____^ Good job.
Carol you rock. I love these kinds of stories where
we're saving longhairs from the evil world one at a time.
It would be cool if he shows up, we'll watch for him.
Kevin
Hi Carol,
That is wonderful news to hear, and good for you in encouraging and supporting another guy to grow his hair long. I know how shy you are, and I am delighted that you supported this future doctor, and hopefully, he will keep up his hair grwoing journey.
Take care,
David
Cool! I had some minor surgery done a few years back, and the plastic surgeon who worked on me had some fairly long curls as well. He could very well be one of the people that inspired me to try growing my own curls in the first place. Its very encouraging to see folks with long hair from many different walks of life.
Peace,
Ryan
You just never know when you will run into a longhair. You reminded me that I was in a Psch hospital several years ago, for Nocturnal Panic Attacks. The lab technician who drew blood was a young man with golden blond long hair pulled back into a ponytail. I couldn't forget that gorgeous head of hair. The medical profession may be one area where longhairs can find acceptance. We can only hope.
Carol
Hey Just Carol, O' Shining Light Bearer, see how far a few kind words, a little encouragement, and positive reenforcement can go? It's good ta know ya have the Power. Nice seein' such a barrage of postings from ya, too, after a dilatory absence.
Always yours for longhair'd camaraderie,
Quenyan
In freezing cold NY
Hehehe, I see that you remember the meaning of my french last name. I'm all for encouragement, and I think that young man got plenty of it that day. The huge smile on his face said it all. Life sometimes keeps me away, as I am still dealing with controlling Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. My PCP has agreed to let me try natural dessiicated thyroid hormones, as none of the synthetics have worked for me, I'm still sick.
Carol in MD where it's also freezing cold. Brrrrr!
from cutting. His name is Kevin, and I met him on a bike ride in the local mountains. Check the archives. It is post 178039 from April 2 2007. It sure gives me joy to see a guy intent on cutting to reconsider and end up keeping his long hair instead.
Scott
Oh wow! His hair is quite long. It would have been a shame if he cut it. Good for you for encouraging him!
Carol,
Rescuing longhairs from the evil scissors/razors one at a time...
Carol, I really like your style!! I not only really love what you did, but your telling of the story was a delight.
I think that what you did was very helpful to not only that med student, but to a lot of potential longhairs. Who knows what influence seeing long hair on a doctor might have on people. The more men in various jobs who sport long hair the better.
Good on ya!
My Hair Site
Absolutely! They don't always have to fit the stereotypes, such as rock stars. As more of them show up in the workforce in a variety of professions, it will hopefully become more accepted and longhairs won't be stigmatized and treated as outcasts, as so many are now. I hope to see this transition in my lifetime, and I'll do my part to help it happen.
Carol,
Saving longhairs from the evil scissors/razors one at a time...
Hi Carol,
What a delightful account to read! I just pictured the whole scene unfolding and how surprised and happy he must have been to be receiving such support. Let's hope he sticks to what he said about not cutting. Good for you for speaking up!
Jason