DEAR HARRIETTE: I grow out my hair in order to cut it and donate it to charity. Now my hair is at my waist, and my family and co-workers feel comfortable telling me to cut it. I may be too sensitive, but I find all forms of telling someone to change their appearance offensive. It's like telling someone to lose weight because you think they would look better skinny! I usually just brush off these comments and say I will donate it when it's long enough, but I'm getting very angry with people telling me to change my appearance. I'm helping a charity by donating my hair, and my family especially can't seem to back off. Do they not understand that I do not care about their opinions of my hair? -- My Choice, Jackson, Mississippi
DEAR MY CHOICE: Sometimes people get jealous about super-long hair, as for many it is impossible to grow it that long. Jealousy can look like the behavior you are experiencing. If you are keeping your hair clean, neat and appropriate for your work environment, try to ignore the naysayers. On the other hand, you could remind them all that this is your annual charitable effort. Ask them to support you.