Love the look in your picture #2, but if that isn't practical, what about having the bangs cut on a subtle angle, so that they are longer towards the side, but shorter over your eyes so not hanging in your face? 

I have quite long bangs now and the style of my hair is really all about having the long bangs, but in order to get used to them, I had months where I had them sort of angled so they wouldn't hang in my eyes. (added more recent shots)

I have a pixie cut and have been growing long bangs this year. At first it was annoying but I've gotten use to it and I like the look. I also find it more versatile the longer it gets. You can sweep it to the side and have fun with hair pins, hair bands etc. Also texture hair creams help when I want more volume and it off my face more.
You have a very pretty face and look fab in short hair. I'm also a fan of #2. Sometimes it takes a few haircut cycles for your personal style to evolve into something you're really happy with. I also found it helpful to search the internet for pictures you can bring to your stylist so they can understand what your trying to achieve.

I like your hair in number 2 pic. I am a hairdresser. If you were my client, I would say stick with the short layers as they can be a pain to grow out to a bob and have the fringe side swept and cut on an angle and possibly razor cut or thinned a bit so it isn't so heavy. It looks great pinned to the side between trims. ‍♀️

Hereforthecake, Baby and Sally - thanks for chiming in - especially nice to hear from a hairdresser (also acknowledging Taylor is very experienced in that line too),

My appointment isn't until the 7th May, so feel free to chip in !

So I had it cut and highlighted. Fairly happy. Pics in original post

I think it looks great anne!

Looks great and no more fuss, I really love it, thanx you did a side shot, too- it pretty looks like mine there now -but started with a very short asymmetric side like hereforthecake has(thanking her for the visuals added:-)) - I simply cannot grow out a longer side swept fringe- I have thin and fine hairs, probably don't have enough volume or texture so I cut diagonal bangs like hers, and that's it!

Thanks texstyle and Lyn!

You remind me of Evan Rachel Wood. Google her or check Pinterest and you will find tons of images of her with short hair that I bet you can do yourself.

Love the hair in pic 2! I really like the short hair do. I would steadfastly ignore what your children/teens say. At least in my case what they don't like today they may love tomorrow!

So much more practical on you Anne with the shorter fringe....looks great too !

You look really good with short hair. I like it right at ear length, a little messy

Looks good! I don't know if you have a windy climate like mine, but the messy/tousled look is a good one for where I live!

I love it Anne!! You are so very pretty and healthy looking - and it suits your face shape well. I agree with the Evan Rachel Wood reference.

I get my hair cut every six weeks when short or mid length. It works for me okay. I like your hair a bit messy too - I think like myself it suits our colouring and natural style where we don't like too much fuss or to be too styled. I do blowdry mine about 1/3 of the time, the rest it dries naturally.

Love that cut on you! Is this right after it was styled at the salon? or did you do it yourself?

(just wondering how easy it is to do it yourself like that)

Looks great!