I hate that they say that dreads are just a phase. dreads are a journey and the phases of dreads appear within it. I get most of my criticism from my parents, especially my mom, even before my dreads it was constantly "your eyes, your clothes, your weight, blah blah"ignoring it is hard when it's constant but someone is going to love all of you even your dreads. it's the 21st century not all guys are into that 1950's perception of what females should be. I have guys flirt with me in college all the time (well not ALL time but when they do) and usually the conversation starter is about my dreadlocks, usually compliments or asking to touch them. dreads are interesting and unique just like the people who have them.
for those people commenting on the way you choose to look they're really just saying that you're different and that makes them uncomfortable. no one should ever comment on the way other people look thats my mentality unless its a praise or a word of notice. but really just say hey i have dreads this is me and by saying that i'm less attractive makes you less attractive. like psh dreads make guys less attracted to you ..yeah well being an asshole makes people less attracted to them. you can't change the opinions of the people who are criticizing, some people like dreads and some people don't. but you really aught to let them know that comments like that don't help anyone, in fact can lower self esteem, like if they said something like that to the wrong person you never know what could happen, some people can get really offended and put down. I'm glad you're happy though don't sweat the commentary, it's irrelevant to you because you know that you're beautiful and you know that you will find someone who will like all of you for you.