For awhile, I tried to believe my husband.

I told myself I was being overly sensitive and that my stepmother-in-law did not mean the “hair comments” the way I was taking them.

But, the length of my hair comes up every time I see her.

My husband, a former hippie, loves long hair. Every day he says so. As long as my hair is washed and combed, he doesn’t care if I blow it straight or let it dry curly. He gives me compliments.

I think all men have a visual picture of “their” ideal. And that my husband’s ideal has long hair.

Which my stepmother-in-law pooh-poohed by telling me about one of her friends who kept her hair long because that’s what her husband said he wanted. Then the foolish woman saw the light, became liberated and listened to her hairdresser.

The change was dramatic. The lady’s husband said he had no idea the lady (his wife) could LOOK SO MUCH BETTER.

That isn’t a subtle hint. I don’t think I am being overly sensitive. That story had a moral.

I know my long hair days are numbered.  I don’t think I’ll want long hair in my 60’s or 70’s.

But, when and how will I know the time has come?

I’ve been going through pictures of women close to my age or older. How long will THEY hold out  and keep their long hair?

It’s a dilemna I think many of us eventually face. But in the meantime, I gotta say…the women pictured below…they’re hot!

Ann Curry, age 51.

Bo Derek, age 51.

Christie Brinkley, age 53.

Meredith Viera, age 53.

Diane Keaton, age 62.

Dyan Cannon, age 70.

Jane Goodall, age 73

Cindy McCain, age 53