Daring to conform

"Guys, you think I should?" But she already knew the answer she wanted to hear and she felt silly asking such a non-job question at work.

"Up to you. It's your hair." But they hoped she would, too. It wouldn't change anything, really. They shared secrets, concerns and encouragement either way regardless of hair length.

She remembered the fear, overhearing male high school classmates whispering of another girl "she was sort of pretty until she cut her hair." Then she remembered realizing what jerks they were, back home at spring break from college, at a party.

She made the call. A high-end salon by her office. She let them pick the style. So many looked nice! But she could only try one at a time.

She was glad they knew her, saw through her "trip to the drugstore" lie and gave a mini-party.

All her work clothes felt new again after that salon trip. And the next several, to try each style she meant to.

In time they all grew their hair out and joked she was the odd one out again.