April,
Thanks for the article. You are right, one should not be pressured into changing his/her appearance simply due to some odd suggestions by others.
I always think the most beautiful people are the ones with so much beauty, worth and self-confidence "inside". Our appearance should reflect our inner state.
On the other hand, if the person decides it's time to express their new self through drastic change of their outer appearance, I would say "right on!" I would cheer them on as I celebrate their growth!