Feeling like my hijab is seen as a style choice, not a faith choice - As-salamu alaykum
As-salamu alaykum. I started wearing the hijab to school in August and I really like it. I have small doubts sometimes but Alhamdulillah so far it’s been manageable. When I wear it, nobody asks me what it means or why I wear it. Lately I think that’s a problem because people don’t really get what it means to me spiritually. A few weird things have happened. A girl I used to be close to but drifted from saw me and asked, “Do you have a boyfriend?” I laughed and said no, then she asked, “Do you want a boyfriend?” and I said definitely not, lol. I brushed it off since we used to chat about boys, maybe she was just curious. On Friday a boy I texted two years ago walked out of a room as I walked in. We made eye contact, I kept walking, then he called out my name with a huge smile and wave. We haven’t talked in years - it felt odd and confusing. Also, a boy in my calculus class who I’ve never been friends with keeps trying to interact. Since I started wearing hijab he’s always waving and saying hi. Once I tried to ignore him to see if he’d stop; instead he moved closer so I would have to look at him and talk. It felt uncomfortable and weird. I put the hijab on partly to avoid talking to unrelated men, but it almost feels like I’m getting more attention. I don’t know what they’re hoping to get - are they testing boundaries? I just want to be left alone, honestly. I also don’t get why people keep asking if I have or want a boyfriend - even if I did, it wouldn’t be permissible (not halal) outside marriage. I don’t think these people understand that hijab for me is about faith and modesty, not a fashion statement. Has anyone else dealt with this? Any advice on how to handle awkward attention politely but firmly would be really appreciated. JazakAllahu khairan.