new thread
I have recently transferred from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to run a regional office.....so meeting lots of new colleagues and clients.
One fellow that I really hit it off with today said: "As soon as I saw the ponytail, I knew you were a Free Spirit".
Definitely a great compliment.
You know, if mlhh had a "LIKE" button I'd definitely push it in response to that comparison :)I believe that's the case for most longhairs.Cheers
Mârk
Music to my ears, Walter, what a great compliment indeed! I love hearing comments like that from total strangers -- it can really "break the ice!" It never goes unappreciated or unnoticed, and I am grateful to say that I have had similar experiences myself (although your "Free Spirit" compliment tops the cake)!
- Ken
I'm sure the idea of free spirit must mean different things to different people. I like it as an expression. There were the Brethren of the Free Spirit, inspired by the Franciscans in the 14th century, and who were horribly persecuted by the Inquisition.
Freedom is something that is hard to win, and takes a lot of self-knowledge and psychological work. My own decision to grow my hair came from this motivation. As a boy of 12 or so, I understood that haircuts meant conformity and subjection to convention and authority. Long hair was always symbolic of someone who had found inner freedom.
This is probably one thing that women most hate in general about men who have long hair and don't put up with abuse and domination.
Indeed, to have another person recognise and affirm what is within us is very fulfilling.
Anthony
* * *
My blog
had to join the band
Recently, I've been asked, "are you an artist? a musician?"
I am neither...
Although, I admire both.
I think I will try to remember to say that I am a "free spirit" if asked...
Great compliment, Walter.
...the "like" trend we are starting....
Thanks for all the interesting comments, guys
Not only is it a great compliment but it's comforting to know that there are those on the planet that are themselves free thinking enough to be able pay that compliment.
Bruce
Hi Walter,
I hope you enjoy your time in South Dakota! I know I wouldn't be able to handle the Winter though!
Ted
Hi Walter, I wish you well at your new location...
... I'm glad people were nice and complimented you on your hair!
All the best... The Spaf Man
Congratulations on becoming the chief honcho over a region! That's a major professional achievement!
No compliment comes off as more truthful than one from a total stranger, a person who has no reason to make you feel good other than to react to his own delight at seeing you. I remember with great fondness way back when I first grew my hair out, and a stranger sitting on a park bench in Golden Gate Park called out to me as I passed, "Hey, longhair!" Not only did I realize I had reached the point at which others saw me as a longhair, but the strong truthful validation of that judgment call brought me much peace. At that moment, I realized my long journey was complete, and that I had been successful in its pursuit!
Bill