Well, let's see...what all can one "lose" by age 25? Innocence, baby face, baby weight, high school drama, living at mama's house, beat up hand-me-down dad's car, old toys, family rules (if you move out of their house), etc. Hair may or may not be a loss. My son is 25 and losing his hairline, as all men in my family tree have done even without alopecia. So...are we any less US with the above losses? No.

Now list the gains of being over 21. I'll bet the list is WAYYYY longer. Find the inner and professional you that you are meant to be in your family tree and for your future kids. Stick a hat on it and leave the mirror sob sessions to the teen girls. You are a good-looking guy, and have a whole world out there to meet. Take the A Train, get out of Dodge, follow your dream, get the right college degrees and beginning jobs. You can do this. I did it at 21, in the 1970s. And I am female.

Hello there Jarod- We all know and can relate to how you're feeling. It's amazing how many different backgrounds there are here, isn't it? It's also amazing how many people won't ever have to deal with this condition in their lifetime, won't ever have to consider it, and won't ever give it a thought. Being a 28 year old divorced lady, I feel like I'll never have the opportunity for someone to be attracted to me (bald) ever again. You know what, there is someone for everyone... in friendships, in relationships, etc. So, if anything... from this experience, as awful as it truly is, accept it as a humbling experience to overlook others' disabilities or 'defects'; no matter what they are. You're going to discover that you're stronger than you ever knew dealing with this, and that the world is not going to end because of it :-) We're all here to support each other... that's especially why I'm here! -Sarah K.