You are very considerate of your fellow bus passengers, Shali and good for you to be proud of your long hair and glad its easy to care for. I have long hair too (not red though), but I'm not very invested in my physical characteristics, good or bad, I don't feel inclined to focus on them much, other than to make sure I am clothed and clean. As I get older, I am less and less interested in promoting myself to the world based on my physical 'attributes'. I think the girl with the long hair kept it long for a reason, probably getting something out of it, maybe ego gratification, maybe her husband/boyfriend liked it, who knows. Women cut their hair after WWI, part of the feminist movement I imagine. I say, if you've got it flaunt it! Go Baby, Go.