So today I finally did the thing that I've been working up to for the last few years, and told my close friends today about my life-long alopecia. I first joined here four years ago, and it's taken me that long to do it. Two friends I was going to tell have since passed away.

Part of the reason why I decided today would be the day is that I have gone from brunette to ash blonde, which is a completely different look and a drastic change. I sent my close friends the picture, said, "so this is happening, and before you ask, yes it is, and has been since I was 10."

And so I waited for the world to end and all the things my mother warned me against telling people to happen.

And it was OK!!! And the kicker was that they already knew, and it didn't matter.

I've known these people since I was in college. They're my Ride or Die, brother and sister from other mothers. Even after all that, I still was so absolutely terrified of what would happen if they knew.

I haven't gone completely public (like work or casual acquaintances because I don't think they need to know), but it feels so great to have the weight of this thing I've carried for 48 years off my shoulders!