It been 15ish months of growing and although it is taking longer than expected im happy with the progress.
There is however this nagging thing in the back of my mind and im certain its about to come up soomer or later. This nagging thing is called my father **Gasp!**
See my old man was very strict in his hey day and although he has calmed down alot over the years I know its still in him to rule with an iron fist so to speak. Now I know for a fact he does not like anything considered different or "out there" in the general apperance of a person. I pretty sure he wont like the idea of long hair on his son. Even my sister has been asking me "hasn't dad said anything yet".
Now even though I myself an considered an adult(23). Im still living with my parents. Although this may seem very strange in western societies it is very much the norm im my culture. We usually stay with our parents till we are married hence we still follow their rules.
Back to the topic, I know any time soon my old man is going to want me to get it cut and there is nothing I can really do about it except mabey some fruitless reasoning. If he told seriously told me tomorrow to cut it off I would striaght up have to do it. There is nobody else that really stand in the way. Work, family and friends are ok with it, its just the old man.
I believe the reason for him eventually asking me is not 100% his dislike of long hair on men, I think he doesn't like the idea of family friends and relatives seeing me with long hair as it not considered acceptable in our culture. I think he worries that they may gossip about it like "Did you see Mr....'s son, he has long hair! blah blah blah" Ultimately I believe he thinks people will think he isnt able to control his children as they are doing all these "unconventional" things. I understand where he is coming from and i dont blame him, its the stupid culture we are part of - If my religion (islam) allows it, why should be a problem.
The wierd thing is up to now he has only mentioned it once jokingly and that was to get it trimmed at the back for a wedding. I did it about 1 inch to keep him happy and he hasnt mentioned it since. But im dreading the day he mentions it again. Till them i'll continue wearing caps and hats and dodging him when he enters the room.
Since he has accepted your hair length up to this point, do you think there is a possibility that he will let you simply trim your hair, reverting back to, say, Month 12 hair. Or is he more likely to demand cutting it all off and going back to Month 0? That way, when you do leave home your hair is ready to begin it's journey again. Good luck with the situation.
Matt
As strict as you care to mention him being, If hes allowed you to have it at the length it is now, and not really given you any beef other then a trim, I reallly wouldn't be to worried about it. As the trim was just to tidy things up, which isn't all that un common.
What if you stood your ground? Would this man who has lived under the same roof as you for twenty-three years throw you out over your hair length?
If so, the depth of his caring for you is shallow indeed. Better you know that now than later.
Bill
I doubt he would throw me out, but my dad is very old fashioned and quite traditional. I would rather not stand my ground and fall out with him over somthing small like this. I respect and love him too much and if he truly wanted me to cut it I would - thats just me
"Father, I really appreciate the respect you show for me by letting me wear my hair as long as I want. Not every father would recognize how important this is for me. Thanks, dad. You're the best!"
If you start the conversation like that instead of avoiding him then I think he would find it difficult to say, "Gee, thanks but I was going to tell you to get a haircut."
Elizabeth
I agree. This is pro'lly the best way to go.
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Splat