JOURNAL

Walking home from the bus stop today I approached two women walking towards me, going in the opposite direction.

When I got a few feet away from them one of them said "Hi". Normally I find myself initiating greetings when coming and going in similar situations. But I know that I look how I do and a lot of people consider me intimidating looking and I've had women cross the street when walking the opposite direction of me. Which is just so unfortunate, honestly. But I digress. She said "Hi". I responded by saying "Hey, there".

Before we met on the sidewalk she said "Your hair is beautiful", which really tickled my fancy being the longhair dude I am who takes a decent amount of care of his luscious locks. I chuckled a little uncomfortably and a little proudly with "Thank you so much".

We met on the sidewalk, both women looked me in the eyes and smiled. Again, this is pretty rare based on where I live and how I look. It brought a sense of calm to an otherwise shit day.

Just as I passed them the same woman said "You're gorgeous, I just thought you should know", I half turned and giggled uncomfortably and thanked her with a simple "Thanks...".

And that was the end of it.

I have a lot of self esteem issues and am careful how I conduct myself in my hood, for good reason.

But my day was made. And she seemed thrilled to make it.