Hi Stephanie, and thanks so much for reading. Yes, it is extremely uncomfortable for us and as you stated, often for others with compassion who may happen to be in earshot. Honestly, it's frustrating that we are held to the task of explaining our personal choices simply because they may differ from the mainstream. There is no instance where I would approach a White woman who may have cut or highlighted her hair, ask her if I could touch it, and then proceed to "pet" her hair as if she was an animal on display. There are certainly ways to express curiosity about the unknown without making it a dehumanizing experience and that is what I wish people would consider first.