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So my grandma claimed that I would cut my hair within three months.
I said that I wouldn't.
She insisted that I would.
I offered a 200$ bet that I'll keep growing my hair out. She accepted.
So now, I don't know whether to feel like I took advantage of someone vulnerable, or I've proven my point (and got some free cash in exchange)
no meaning of disrespect, but... that was a pretty dumb bet for her to make... if you were smart, and you obviare, ously you'd keep growing it just to win the wager...
will you collect?
Only if grandma pesters me about it again when time comes due.
Well, occasional bets like that can be fun; but too much nagging and pestering to get a haircut ISN'T...
It all depends upon your already-established relationship with your grandma, and how much friendly teasing between the 2 of you is OK with you both.
In tense relationships, however, the less talk, the better. My own friends and family, for example, know that my hair is NOT a topic up for discussion (if anyone was to seriously suggest a short haircut for me) -- only one close friend of mine dared to suggest that a long time ago, and she got promptly put in her place (including our friendship died not long after that).
Negative hair comments tend to happen most frequently during the infamous "awkward stages" -- that's when relatives try their hardest to convince you not to grow your hair any longer. Once you've reached a certain point in your growth journey (usually around shoulder-length and can begin to tie it back into a ponytail), they usually give up and shut up by then...
"Onward & Downward!"
- Ken in San Francisco
That is so true. You also find that as your hair moves beyond even that stage, you begin to get compliments rather than just acceptance or tolerance.
Only one of my relatives still tells me that I should cut my hair, but I suspect that's down to jealousy as she's been trying to grow her own hair for years, but her terminal length is just below collar-length.
LOL, that's human nature for you! I agree with you, Viking, as my own experience also matches yours re. hearing mostly only compliments the longer my hair has become.
By the way, thank you so much for including that pic of your braid in your response to my reply, below (in your just back from Switzerland post) -- that is some OUTSTANDING length you've been able to achieve!!!!! Looks like your terminal length is substantially longer than mine (mine ends just below my belt-line); but at age 60 now, hey, I'm not complaining!
Take care, off to work now...
- Ken
You're welcome - and I'm not at terminal yet. I'm hoping to reach knee length, but we'll see. I'm still a few inches away.
You are right Viking!!! The longer it is, the more compliments I get too! As far as acceptance from my S.O. and kids, I don't think I'll ever get it...but at least they stopped getting on my case now that my hair is getting longer
A.D.!
You won, that is the real victory. You don't have to take the money!
I agree. Don't take her money. Your purpose has already been served.
But this will not be the end of her saying things. The time will come, but I believe it will take a much longer period of time. The longer your hair gets, the more others will know it's not "just a phase". Once they catch on, they will see their comments as ineffective and futile.
My mother was the same way. But she eventually switched from making the comments directly to me, over to making comments about my hair to my wife (thinking my wife had more influence on me.) Even though my wife prefers short hair on men, she fully supported me growing mine :-)
Hi Matt,
I am so glad to hear you prevailed! However, I wouldn't take the money. You proved your point by not cutting. But if she bet me again and I won I might be tempted to take the money. This is because she should know now that you will not cut. Please keep it growing!
Ted
Hi, I am so glad that you didn't cut... I think keeping growing is a reward in itself....
All the best... The Spaf Man
Haha. My grandparents are the same. they still try get me to cut sometimes, though with less enthusiasm and I clearly want long hair. Maybe when its long enough to tie back they'll give it up or at least cut back, no pun intended. When I started wearing a ponytail my parents finally let it go.