Sly Bald Guys Forum

New Member Section => Introductions => Topic started by: Mick R on November 03, 2010, 05:02:21 AM

Title: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Mick R on November 03, 2010, 05:02:21 AM
Hello I have been looking at this site for 6 months I am from Austarlia, and I have sent a couple of personal messages to pdxtodd in May. Basically this sight has given me the inspiration to do this.

My story is that I got sucked into purchasing a System 21 Long years ago. I was 22 at the time and to be honest was not quit sure of what I was getting into. The marketing was such that I felt this was to be life changing. And like many people yes I did not mind the look. But the associted issues I experienced over the 21 years was incredible.

On Friday night the 29th of Oct after months of deliberation and immense anxiety I removed it. I spent the weekend trying to get some sun on my very white head without sunburning it. And thinking about my strange look (only to me) and as usual what other people are going to think and say.

I am in the services, and I still have not seen many of my friends and work colleuges because I flew interstate on Sunday for 2 weeks on work duties. I am working with someone who is a old friend who I have not seen for 10 years. When I walked into work he said he did not recognise me. I know only a few people here who I have not seen for a while so I thought this may be a good way to ease myself into it.

I am still anxious, and nervous but it is getting slighlty easier each day. I would like to SAY that it has been liberating but I cannot at the moment because of the anxiety and self conciousness which I know is self inflicted. I have still to see my family freinds and other work colleuges. My wife and youngest son saw me straight after. Including 3 other kids who have never seen me bald. This sight however has been my inspiration and I beleive in its message that I will feel better in time

I have red the other stories of men in similar situations and I have related them to me me. I do not go home until next friday then I am going on holiday for a week with a couple of close friends.  I hope by the time I get back I will feel confident.

Sorry for the long post and thanks for the sight.

Mick
 
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Mikekoz13 on November 03, 2010, 07:09:32 AM
Welcome to the Forum Mick! Congratulations on an excellent decision.
Believe me.... you no doubt look better without that "system".

Join in the discussions and post up a before and after photo for us.

Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: ozzie on November 03, 2010, 10:07:39 AM
Nice intro! Congratulations and welcome to the forum, Mick. Always nice to greet a fellow Aussie. Glad you could join us.  O0

Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Tyler on November 03, 2010, 11:00:01 AM
Welcome Mick!  I look forward to hearing where your freedom from "the system" takes you.

Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Arnie on November 03, 2010, 11:07:41 AM
Welcome to SBGs!!! 8)
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: mangosink12572 on November 03, 2010, 01:08:51 PM
Welcome  - -and how does it feel to be free????????
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: TheSlyBear on November 03, 2010, 04:21:39 PM
Freedom. It's a wonderful thing. Welcome and congrats!
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: wpruitt on November 03, 2010, 04:23:23 PM
Welcome Mick
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Sgt. Pate on November 03, 2010, 06:19:36 PM
WOO HOO Mick!  You're finally free!   O0
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Rob on November 03, 2010, 06:48:46 PM
congrats at your new found freedom, and welcome to the site!  enjoy! 8)
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Mick R on November 03, 2010, 08:59:50 PM
Hello Ozzie I am from Brisbane I am curremtley in Wagga.

I will post a photo when I return home. I havent taken a photo of myself yet only my wife on her phone to show friends when she dropped me of at the airport.

I am having a good day today I am thinking about it less and less (But still consciuos). But I still have to return home and see my friends and family. But I know it is a matter of getting used to it myself. It is amazing how many more people you notice that are shaved when you are as-well

I am getting a mole or wart cut out of the back of my head tommorow (I didnt worry about it until now) so I can shave my head properley without cutting it. My wife did it for me the first time. My hair has grown out a touch since then.

I will keep you posted on how things go.

Thanks for the posts.

Mick



Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Mick R on November 03, 2010, 09:19:39 PM
Just to answer the question of freedom

At the moment I do not feel all that free. In fact I feel uncomfortable and self conscious when I see people I used to know or I anticipate seeing an old college.  I am comfortable in public or meeting new people. And basic things like showering, sleeping, and even removing and putting on shirts are much easier 

I have red the posts and have heard it takes 30 days for the comfort to kick in, I am hoping it will be sooner.

Thanks Mick
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Sgt. Pate on November 03, 2010, 09:23:39 PM
It's a struggle we all have to deal with... caring entirely too much what others think and it's no way to live your life.  Living that way is bondage indeed!   ;)

Hang in there brother, you will break through!  O0
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Mick R on November 03, 2010, 10:32:57 PM
Yes

Good point about worrying what other people think

It is unfortunately better said than done. To be honest I am not so worried what people think, about the look or me most of the time, just the fact that I look different and the initial reactions that I will have to endure in the coming weeks.

I dont mind being a bit diffenet in a good way, and at the end of the day baldness is natural and I am trying to embrace it. But going from a full head of hair even if it was fake to nothing is takeing some adjusting, but I am only in day 6.

I feel I have taken a couple of steps back mentally to move forward and be the person I want to be. And that includes not worrying what people think. Which I did in the Rug anyaway.

 I am hopeing this will release me from being self concious in any way

Thanks



Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Tyler on November 03, 2010, 11:08:42 PM
Yes, give it 30 days and you'll notice a HUGE transformation in your thoughts.
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: tomgallagher on November 04, 2010, 06:29:37 AM
A Vegemite sandwich and a cuppa should fix the problem.
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Hawk on November 04, 2010, 08:24:47 AM
A Vegemite sandwich and a cuppa should fix the problem.

LOL!!!!!!  Good stuff!  Made me think of that MEN AT WORK song.
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Rob on November 04, 2010, 01:19:16 PM
You made the move and chucked the rug, and that really was the hardest part, though it might not feel like it at the moment.

Try to look on your new hairstyle as just that: a new cutting-edge, very sleek and noticable hairstyle.  Don't worry about feeling exposed: enjoy it! 8)

I know it's easier said than done, but the feeling of freedom will come, and the feeling of being different will fade, to be replaced by a desire to be noticed for your bald head! 8)
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Mick R on November 04, 2010, 07:47:03 PM
Thanks Guys

And very funny Aussie pun Mate.

Yes I am starting to get used to it. I am going out tonight with an old freind should be interesting

The thing that I am most noticing is the fact that I am not getting second glances because of the fact it is so normal and natural. I am still trying to get some colour in it it is still white.

I am taking small steps and getting on with it. My friends and family already no that I have done it but havent seen me so hopefully that should subdue the reaction.

I will keep you guys posted on what happens and put a photo on ASAP

Thanks Mick

Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: The Noggin on November 05, 2010, 04:09:20 PM
Late but hopefully not too late: Welcome Mick, I'm very happy you've made up your mind and dropped the rug. I'm sure you're not going to regret it.
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on November 05, 2010, 04:52:54 PM
The thing that I am most noticing is the fact that I am not getting second glances because of the fact it is so normal and natural.

Welcome to the freedom.  It's almost disappointing that people don't react isn't it?  You've done the right thing.
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: OzPete on November 06, 2010, 11:08:04 PM
Welcome Mick!  O0
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: xnewyawka on November 07, 2010, 06:36:54 PM
Welcome Mick, great choice in ditching the rug/hair hat. It must have been like wearing an anchor around your neck. I bet you feel amazingly free now!  O0
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Nonick on November 07, 2010, 09:32:04 PM
Hang in there, Mick! O0
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: Mick R on November 08, 2010, 01:58:07 AM
Thanks Guys

I went out the other night and it it felt OK I went to a couple of Pubs or Bars as Americans call it, and I didnt feel out of place.

Still very much getting used to it. But getting there I will see the rest of the family Friday night. I am glad I went away fro a few weeks though to get used to it myself first

Thanks For the posts
Title: Re: I removed the RUG after 21 long YEARS
Post by: BaldWriterBob on November 08, 2010, 01:11:26 PM
Congratulations on the wise decision. Welcome to SBG.