Who Are Your Natural Hair Allies?

On my natural hair journey, I've been very lucky to have some supporters or like I prefer to say, allies to help me along.  My sisters of course, are my allies because they are also naturalistas and going through similiar struggles and triumphs... we try to help each other along.  I get the occasional compliment and my friends... at least the closer ones who really matter, have expressed that they like me with natural hair. All this makes me feel great.  Significant others are always important because at the end of the day,after yourself and maybe sometimes before, your appearance matters most to them.  It's a big part of what attracted them to you and big part of what we think will keep them around. I got lucky in that department too, because he is also a proponent.
And then there is my mom, bless her heart.  She means well.  I would not call her an opponent.  She never protested or tried to deter me from going natural.  As a matter of fact, she tries to be helpful and that is the problem.  Like all mothers, my mom is a bit overbearing and critical.  She doesn't think she is being that way. She is being a mom and naturally mom knows best so of course if she sees something that looks off she won't hesitate to point it out.  From the start of my natural hair journey, every time I see my mom without fail, she makes me feel like my hair looks a hot mess and I need to go hide under a rock until I can do something about it.  Now I'm not saying the something she wants me to do about it is to get a relaxer... but she always finds a way to let me know my hair doesn't look good just as it is.
Her comments range from, "Your hair is looking so dry, why don't you put something in it", to her most famous, "Is that how you're wearing your hair?" (accompanied by a look), to "What's going on with your hair?" (accompanied by a look) or "Oh, is that the style?" and so many other inquiries of disdain that leave me feeling insecure.  Sometimes she does this in front of other people and it makes me cringe. I have to save face with a, "Huh, what're you talking about?"  Sigh...
I forgive it because she's my mother and like I said, she means well.  She loves me, I know.  And at the end of the day, I'm sure I've made my mother proud in so many other areas of life.  Who cares if she doesnt' like my hairstyle?  Unfortunately it makes me think other people are looking at my hair and thinking the same thing and it kind of fuels some insecurities.  But it makes me that much more thankful for my allies who counteract any damage she might cause to my self-esteem.  After my confidence has taken a beating at her hands, I only have to ask myself one question.  Do I like my hair?  And if the answer is yes, then all is well.