Dear friends, I confess, I’m probably becoming a grumpy older woman, Â especially exasperated (though I’m not rude) by middle aged white men who have little in common with me, except that we work for the same company. Â This week I found myself in the elevator with such a one and the brief conversation went something like this (I’ll call him Bob): Me: (hurrying in as elevator doors are about to close and pulling off woolly bobble hat) Oh, hi Bob, you alright? Bob: (looking in elevator mirror, turning as I enter, holding Costa Coffee drink) Oh Hi! I must say I do like your dreadlocks. Me: They’re braids! Â Thanks though. Bob: Of course, not dreadlocks, but didn’t you get it done over Christmas? Me: Yes, before New Year. Bob: That first Monday back in the office, Â I saw this person and thought who’s that? And then realised… Me: (interrupting before Bob breaks the third commandment) Yep! It’s me, afro gone!! Elevator reaches our floor and we exit, heading for separate doors into the same office… Me: Well, have a good day! Bob: (with back to me, catching the door from someone heading out) Yes, and you! So, my thoughts? Â It’s been several weeks now since the braids replaced my afro, my twa! So, please, Â get over it, while it’s lovely to receive compliments, Â you see me everyday; you may not talk to me everyday but I very much doubt that if I were white we would be discussing my 6 week old hairstyle, Â would we? Someone, help me understand! Â And then, I think any intelligent person knows the difference between dreadlocks and braids; and if you don’t, Â don’t use the word! Â Simply say, ‘hair’ – it’s obvious I will know what you are talking about. This is a bit of a rant, I know, but I think we can all do with a bit less ignorance and more genuineness and respect all round.Â