by Weusi

See … uhhh .. what had happened was …

Shelli and I went to a friend’s wedding reception last week.

I know that you read Shelli’s post about her girlfriends wedding reception thingy … and how she saw some co-workers and how she made new friends (that I hope are now reading this!).

What she didn’t tell you was that while she was off speaking, being Ms. Socialite, I was at the table getting grilled by the sisters at the table. One sister was telling some comedic horror stories about past dates and how I need to propose on Christmas or New Year’s. Then it happened. Someone came in with a little baby.

WOW. After the “awwww” moment wore off, I felt the pressure, so I tried to diffuse it:

“See, as a non-married couple, there is extra pressure when you attend a wedding. And now someone is throwing a newborn baby in the mix? I can’t win!”

We all laughed and grazed by conversation about the dynamic of being a couple at a wedding. And then … IT happened!!!

One of the sister told me (without being prompted), “I REALLY LIKE YOUR HAIR!” (Okay … I added the capitalized letters and exclamation point for a sense of emphasis that was only in my head.)

If you could have seen my smile!

A part of the smile was because I laughed at the John Legend reference that followed the statement, as I’m used to hearing it by now and embraced it as the truly positive compliment it is.

I know this because I’ve been likened to other people and things that were assuredly not compliments! And as I reveled in the moment, I told them why I was so proud to hear such words.

I explained how Shelli ALWAYS gets that comment, that she has a blog and is a NHCI (Natural Hair Care Icon … I’m gonna keep using it, so that one day the term makes it into the Lexicon section!).

When Shelli returned to the table, we continued to talk and I bragged about the compliment. Then, as quickly as I was excited, I was quietly humbled when I remembered that before we left the house, Shelli asked me what I was gonna do with my hair.

BUT THEN … I got proud again …

Because I knew what the answer was. I’d just touch it with my secret, magical mix of juices and berries (Okay, you’re clamoring to know … I’ll just fill you in and let you know that the base is coconut oil). It keeps my hair with a healthy shine and it does something with my curls that Shelli likes. And truthfully, I’m a wash and go kinda dude, so I only have one answer to any hair question! Actually there are two … the second is … “Ask Shelli.”

And I’m sorry, but that’s the end of the story! Yeah, I know, but I’m better at commentary than storytelling.

The key points to remember are …

1. I know what makes my hair look better and isn’t gonna damage it.
2. I listen to my lady when I need aesthetic assistance.
3. I plugged www.HAIRSCAPDES.com to new people.
4. Shelli was happy (okay … that was a note to myself!).

Ohh … what? … you don’t like the way this ended and you want a little commentary from me? If you insist …

Okay. The wedding reception was cool, although … I’m not a big fan of marriage. I believe that marriage is a matter of love, commitment and communication and between two people. If they choose to share/communicate that with their community or align it with a religious ceremony is on them. I feel like “the formal institution of marriage” deals more with the business of the state than the hearts of the individuals being married. Now, even with this being said … I think that making the person that you feel you would want be with until the end of time happy is worth going through whatever drama that might be involved. I’m glad that Shelli and I are aligned in our repulsion of spectacle. I know that she just wants to take some pictures in a fly wedding dress … (to be continued!).

SHiNE