Re: hijab vs. no hijab
Ive got some pretty close friends that are hijabi and I never feel uncomfortable around them.
NJ, it may be several things:
Maybe you live in an area or were in an area that isnt frequented by desies or hijabies as much.
Maybe you feel the contrast between yourself and your hijabi friends or MIL a lot and at some level want to wear hijab? Just a thought.
Hijabis and desies in general are a phenomenon for a lot of people...lol. I get stared at but I am SOOOO used to it...doesnt bother me one bit anymore. However, if the starer is obnoxious about it, then I help them out by staring right back or giving them a funny look which shocks them into getting a hold of themselves. LOL.
As for the incident with the Pakistani guys...they were stupid to make comments like that...plain stupid. But to them, it might have looked strange when they saw a lady wearing a hijab and her (assumed) daughter wearing sleeveless. I know you dont wear sleeveless anymore but its a sharp contrast look-wise. Kwim? Not trying to offend you in anyway but just offering a suggestion.