Why a Support System Is Sometimes Greatly Needed

Boy, when I first started my HHJ, I had zero supporters. My mom was like, "All of those products are going to make your hair fall out." I didn't have a significant other at the start of it. I was all alone. No one understood what I was going through. A HHJ is hardwork. You want to do right by your hair, but you do not want to get criticized for your beliefs. Boy, does the criticism hurt. Sometimes, it can feel like you and your hair is against the whole world, lol. Well, in December 2008, I decided that I was going to do right by my hair by any means necessary. My mother was one of my biggest critics. She thought I was using too many products at once. I had to cut down on products used, but that is only due to the fact that some things were not working for me. I have thought about giving up this HHJ years before today only because I was not getting any support. In 2010, I got with my boyfriend. He was a critic, too. But I had to plead my case, explain why I was doing all of these different things. Eventually, he became one of my biggest supporters, if not the only one.
Michael is his name and he is one crazy man. He is my constant support. Other than weave, he supports everything else. He has even begin to remind me of my bonnet when I nap and sleep. He can be alittle harsh. I was either Super Mario, Harriet Tubman or Aunt Jemima (the syrup lady) with my bonnet on. LOL. I know there has been two times where he has looked at my hair and told me, "Baby, I love you, but your hair looks a mess." Yes, he has shamed me into cutting two of my stretches short. LOL. I will drag him into BSSs, and I will make mental wish lists of things that I would like to buy. Sometimes, he would buy it for me there. Sometimes, I will have little surprises waiting on me a few days later. You know that you love someone when you see that they are very interested and invested in something and you ask about it, you know, want to learn what makes this and that work. He has began to do that. He wants to know why is this so important to me.

Because he has been so supportive, I have made it my business to do my hair in styles he loves to see me in, WITHOUT DAMAGING MY HAIR, of course. So I have been doing extra research about straight styles and body waves. He loves it, but it is also my way of showing him my appreciation for everything he is to me: physical, mental and emotional support. I even let him rub it and touch it, until I start feeling like a puppy. Then, he has to move. LOL.

Michael has become this awesome addition to my life. It seems like in every aspect of my life, he has a hand in it. The Good, The Bad, The Sad, The Hilarious and The Most Memorable, Michael has been there to support me through it all. He has never left me hanging, except that time he has left me at the Waffle House, LOL. He is always their with a listening ear, until he falls asleep on the phone, LOL.

Yep, Michael has been there through it all. This post has deviated slightly from the topic, but I had to talk about my support system. He is just there for it all, and I wanted to honor him with his own post. I am grateful to have him there by my side.

When I started my HHJ, I had zero supporters. Then, Michael came into the picture, who made up for anyone and everyone. It is hard to say whether my mom supports my HJ or just tolerates it long enough to keep her hair done on a regular basis. IDK. Whatever, it is, I do have one consistent support system. We have been going strong for 30 months. Through it all, I am greatly appreciative. So, thanks, Michael. It has meant alot! I love you!