Hello Blondie...
After reading your post, I began to wonder why you
would care what others think. Granted, we must all try
and fit in some-what though, you sound as if you're a fairly strong person whom has done things her way. So, my question seems to be... are you feeling some type of pressure to submit? Hmmm... how tall are you and where does 32 inches fall, on you?
Any way, I really don't mean to offer my two cents
though, being an ex. Chicago person (actually, I grew
up in Crystal Lake, IL) I thought I'd respond to your
post.
I am 45, also

Personally, I love really long hair
on women. Then again, some woman look really good with
short hair, also. What ever makes the woman look most
beautiful... and that can be either long or short
hair. I wonder if you'll agree... as
long as the woman feels inner beauty, that will shine
through no matter how her hair is styled.
Regards,
John