Years ago when my kids were all small I was on a mothering forum and chose the name for myself “happy hairy hippie.” Since then, it’s a name I’ve used a lot online. I think it’s a perfectly fair description of myself. I know the definition of the word “hippie” has become a bit nebulous over the years, but I still think of myself as part of that group. Although in my professional life, I seldom let my hippie side show.
However, I’m often a little uncomfortable with how freely I announce to the word that I’m hairy. Sometimes I think it’s not something I want everyone to know about me, and certainly doesn’t need to be one of the first things I tell someone when describing myself.
I think about that a lot, actually. It’s odd to me what some people mention first when introducing themselves. I have a good friend who always says “bisexual” as the first thing she tells anyone about herself. I understand that sexual identity is important, but I’m not sure if I would opt to put it so front-and-center.
Or maybe it’s just easy for me to say that when I’m straight and I don’t have to deal with discrimination.
But anyway, here I am on another site calling myself a happy hairy hippie. I stopped shaving when I was in my early 20’s and have never regretted that decision. I have body hair everywhere it grows naturally. Sometimes it’s awkward in public, I admit, since body hair on women is still a bit socially unaccepted. But it’s never awkward enough to make me wish I shaved.
I read something earlier this year that said approximately 25% of millennial women no longer shave their armpits, and part of me really hopes that’s true. I’d really like to see society trend that way.
Loading comments...