Dealing with less than positive reactions

So, a few weeks ago I decided to post a picture of myself on facebook, my unofficial "unveiling" for my now 4 month old dreadlocks. I got a several nice comments, but then I got a comment from an older, very conservative-minded man from my old church (to whom I have NO hard feelings for). I have always been shy and always let myself be walked on. I feel like, since having dreadlocks, I started to learn to love and stand up for myself, so I'm proud of myself for I handled the situation. I'm not trying to put myself on a pedestal or anything, I just thought I would share with you all =]

Here's how things went down:

Hopefully that's legible! If it weren't for you all, I don't think I would have been able to make it this far, so thank you all for being an inspiration to me =]

updated by @b-likes-tea: 02/14/15 05:20:07AM

I am so proud of you! You handled the situation perfectly!!!! Kudos!!!

Excellent response! You are gorgeous and I hope mine look like yours in four months!

and btw You my dear are absolutely beautiful.....too bad the older gentleman was too blinded by what society has labeled attractive to see how truly lovely you are!

Great response! not a chance of arguing with that!

You are beautiful, and dreads make you look like a gentle soul. You handled that wonderfully.

You handled that wonderfully!!! Best wishes and lots of love as you continue your journey!

A great answer to someone who was trying to guilt you into conforming to his standard of beauty! Confidence is beauty! Believing you are beautiful without the validation of others...amazing!

This is amazing..

I found it interesting how he tried to tell you that your un-dreaded hair was more "beautiful and natural" than your dreads. He even said all else than inner beauty and natural beauty is "costume"! Isn't he missing the point? Dreads are all about natural and inner beauty!