Yeah, it's me again. For those of you who have seen my dread escapades in the past, you know they never last more than 4 months before I get frustrated or put down and I comb them out. My last set was natural. And let me tell you, my hair knots up fassttttt as hell. Well, I miss them. I think dreads are the most beautiful thing on the planet and I miss it, badly. But I don't want to get spend 6 weeks of not combing my hair and it get all knotted up and then decide I don't want them because some rich lady gave me a snobby look or threw a passive aggressive comment towards my hair. (they were mad knotty as 6 weeks, don't laugh. I have freak hair. stfu) I just don't know. I can't make up my mind. I suppose those only thing stopping me is the reaction I always got from others. I was looked down upon for how my hair looked. I know, it's stupid. But you guys know what I mean. Having dreads is emotionally draining, especially for me since I clean for wealthy people and I'm constantly under the mercy of their dirty looks. I guess I'm just asking you guys for some direction and maybe some encouragment so I can make a goddamn decision.
Well, what I always tel people: Dreads are a commitment. Simple as that. To a certain point, it means agreeing to be outcasted from normal society because certain people are always going to give you shit. No matter how nice, neat, or well formed they are. I've found this is tripley true since I've lived in the south (and if I remember correctly I think you're a southerner?) I don't know why that is, exactly. Fewer of us, maybe, so it's freakier... or else people are just that much more closed minded, or both. On the other hand, having dreads tends to earn me insane respect and cred from random hippies I meet. You can't have locks as old, long, and obviously formed as mine and just be some random flutterby. I'm committed to my lifestyle, and you won't find me in republican school next semester. A lot of young-ish hippie chicks I've known have been very much like that... changing their mind monthly about who they are and who they want to be. (which, btw, I have no problem with, I just did that stage of my life a little early ) And I think when I meet people (middle-aged hippies especially) they take my hair as a testament to my commitment and dependability. Make sense? One thing does occur to me, that is fairly unque to your situation. Are the looks you get in the store, etc. for having knotty hair REALLY so much different for what you get by just dressing kinda goth/punk like you do, and having lots of holes in you face? Seems to me by doing that you've already agreed to be somewhat socially outcast. (Now I'm reading this statement and want to make sure you don't misunderstand... I like your style for you - It's WHO YOU ARE. I've got no problem with that, and I wasn't trying to be bitchy. Just making an observation...)
hummblebee has made some awesome points--- just be who you WANT to be. it's as simple as that. if you care about what people think about you, then maybe dreadies aren't for you. because, truthfully, (excuse my French) I dont give a fuck what people think about me, or how people percieve me, because i have nothing to prove to them. i only want to prove to MYSELF that i am a good, kynd healthy person.. and i am! good luck in your dreading journey.....
There's a really great quote from the book I'm currently reading (Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert) that this topic reminded me of (adapted from the ancient Indian Yogic text "Bhagavad Gita")~ "it is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection" Do what's right for YOU.
wow humblebee, thank you! I don't take that as bitchy at all. I totally understand what you're saying, and you're right. With the many many holes in my face and the way I dress, the looks and comments are different. It's difficult for people to understand why I would want to do taht to my hair, seeing as the last time since It was natural, it looked like shitt all the time. I know I do care too much about what people think and I'm slowly getting over that. I'm trying to just do what I want and not put on my clothes and think "is this too outrages? what will ppl say?" and lately, I have been leaving the house looking.....strange. But, it's been amazing, and scary for me. I have just always wanted to be accepted, but the truth is, I was born different. I've always been different and I guess I just need to accept that I am who I am and dreads are part of who I am. Dreads are a passion within me that just dosn't seem to go away no matter how the years drag on. I talked with my mom and even though she hates me with dreads, she wants me to do it, because she says it's just apart of me thatg I have found and I shouldn't let it go just because it's not socially accepted. Thank you guys so much. I am going to make this decision based on what I want, instead of other people.
You really have to reach deep down inside you picture your future with Locks. I get looks all the time. I've had girls tell me its discusting, I've had people tell me it looks awsome, I've had LITTLE KIDS say they were awsome, but you know what....none of that phased me. I am Josh....the dude with DreadLocks..... Are you mrsmorrison27 the girl with DreadLocks?
