I had my hair cut just the other day, first time in over a year. I always seem to choose a really silly time to do this - I've gone from shoulder length to about half an inch in the middle of a Canberra winter, when a good head of hair makes all the difference at 7 A.M. on the bicycle.

I went out, the night of the day of the haircut, I play doorman for a local band. On arrival I found my presence superflous and hence, for a change, I got to have a night out; watching the band play, (they were hot!), circulating, running into people I hadn't seen since the last gig, smiling at attractive women, etc. It's amazing the difference short hair makes!

I'e experimented with this phenomenon on several occasions. You can't do it very often as it takes between at least a year or two to grow decently long hair. The phenomenon I refer to is that of First Impression. I was once advised by a wiser friend 'that you never get a second chance to make a first impression.' Never a truer word was spoken, however I am still constantly amazed by the importance most people place on that first impression.

Peraps I'm just judgemental, but most people I meet for the first time do not instantly strike me as perfect candidates for a relationship. This does not stop me talking with them and digging a little deeper to find out if there is more than meets the eye. My first impressions have been proven wrong before and no doubt will be again (at least I hope!)

Back to long and short - the crux is, I like long hair. I'm reliably informed (ie: lots of people say so) that I look 'better' with short hair. 'Better than what?' I usually reply. What they would like to answer is 'more attractive' but most won't spit it out. This situation, I have been forced to realize - by experimentation (ie: go out with long hair one week and short the next) - is a fact of life. I am more INSTANTLY attractive with short hair.

But this instantly business irks me. What does instantly enter into building relationships? Why can't people look past their first impression - smile back, say 'hi!' even if he doesn't look like your sort and maybe meet another truly wonderful human being! Hell, there are plenty of us out there - at least I think so!