"You set your own schedule, and make your own decisions. You have privacy and the ability to ask for more. You contribute a hell of a lot to a lot of people - you love people, who love you back."

With a little ruffle of his hair, she adds with a grin, "And your hair's gotten a lot longer. It's nice."

Control over appearance, and proof of uninterrupted elapsed time. Wearing the months, physically.