long hair

So awhile ago I decided that this would be my last long hair summer. (summer seems like long hair to me, frolicking on the beach with long blond hair right?) Even though I've had long hair now (longer than shoulder), for about 6 years, I still feel like it's not the norm for me. I had long hair when I was a kid, like less than 9, then when I got it cut, people were all over about how much older I looked. Then I got it cut even shorter at about 14 and it was more of the same.

However with long hair, I look like I'm in high school. I get ID'd all the time. This woman I met when walking Daisy asked what grade I was in. My hair dresser last time thought I was skipping school. Nobody believes that i've been married for 4 years. (yes I know, I'll appreciate this looking young thing one day right? Still waiting for that. It would be one thing if I looked 22 or something forever, but I look 16 apparently! And I still have wrinkles!)

You guys are right though, I can have long hair again later. I just feel like I'm too old for it now. But I'm clearly not (right? when does too old show up anyway?)

Long hair is a lot of work, but I don't really do any work to it anyway. I make sure to condition well so it's not a disaster, but I rarely get it trimmed, and usually either let it air dry or put in in a ponytail.

Plus my hair is long enough that I can cut it significantly and still have long hair. (It's currently below my boobs when I pull it to the front). I think I'm gonna keep my same bangs, they're finally manageable (I've got a crazy cowlick that leaves me few options)

I'm terribly nervous, but I think I'm gonna cut it around shoulder length now. Just need to think of some kind of style. (layers? angled?)

Help?