I recently went back to dark hair, after a 6-month exploration into varying shades of light brown. Overall, the response has been underwhelming; most people haven't noticed. Which is fine with me--I'm not big on being noticed.

Today, one of my co-workers finally did notice when I came to give her a break. This is our conversation:

Her: Your hair looks dark.
Me: Yep. I colored it darker. I've always liked it dark better.
Her: You looked better with light hair.
Me: umm....
Her: Now you look like an old lady.
Me: (speechless)
Her: It makes your skin look....dead.
Me: So, um, do you want to take your break now?

Because I have to work with this woman on a daily basis, I didn't punch her in the heart, but probably I should have. I probably should have responded like this:

You ARE an old lady.

You'd look better if the hair you're wearing wasn't noticeably plastic.

You're fat. (usually I wouldn't pull this one out, but she really, really is. By a long shot.)

Good thing I don't care what you think, or I'd actually feel bad.

Really, really beautiful hair (such as mine) wouldn't even begin to fix the ugliness of you.

Makes me wonder how she's made it this far in life. How do you think comments like that go over with boyfriends? (oh, wait, she's divorced). How do you think rude comments affect an interview? (oh, wait, this is her 4th job in 4 years). How do you think speaking that way affects co-workers? (I'll tell you--we're pissed...I've checked with others to confirm this).

And besides, my hair is smokin' today. I even washed, dried, AND styled! People, I even brushed it! If you know me, you know that makes it a very good day for me. A day that the insults barely touch me.