When my new partner noticed my bald head on our first date, he did something totally out of the blue.
I never imagined how drastically disease would alter my life. I made an effort to not give my hair loss any thought when it initially started. However, it eventually vanished entirely and never regrew. I initially tried to cover it up with wigs, but eventually I adapted to wearing scarves. Although it might not seem like much, it turned into my most agonizing secret.
People would frequently look at me with curiosity or sympathy. Relationships were the most difficult aspect, though. A man vanished the moment he noticed my naked head. No calls, no goodbyes, no explanations.
I was so severely upset by that that I made the decision that living alone was preferable to again being betrayed. But sometimes all you want is to be loved and loved in return. to have the small pleasures in life, like having someone hold your hand, gaze into your eyes, and say, “You are the most beautiful person in my opinion.”
I just now had the courage to try again. We corresponded for a while after meeting online. We then moved to phone conversations, where we exchanged ideas and dreams, laughed, and chatted for hours.
He looked just like the person I had been looking for. kind, perceptive, and approachable. And he asked me out on a date one day.
I concurred. But I was being eaten alive by fear. “What if he is just like everyone else? What happens if I find myself alone once more, but this time with a broken heart? I told myself over and over.
I spent a lot of time getting ready on the day of our meeting, including meticulously putting on a lovely suit, tying my scarf, and applying cosmetics. I wanted to appear respectable.
He arrived to the café with a bunch of flowers and a smile that matched the sincerity and kindness of our exchanges. However, I felt that I could no longer keep this a secret before we had even sat down.
I murmured softly as I met his gaze directly:
— I must tell you something really essential at once.
And I removed the scarf before I had a chance to change my mind.
I noticed his smile go at that very instant. His gaze strayed about the space, as though he was trying to find the exit to the café. My heart fell. “Once more, that’s it,” I thought.
At that moment, he did something that I completely didn’t anticipate.
I muttered, “I’m sorry.” You are free to depart. I will not take offense. This is not the first time I’ve experienced this.
There was silence between us. A few seconds that seemed to go on forever. He simply gazed into my eyes and at my head. I was already expecting him to get up and go. Then he spoke abruptly.
— You understand… — he stated forcefully but quietly. — I had no idea what you looked like when we first started talking. Whether you were tall or short, fat or thin, I didn’t care. I never cared about that. I enjoyed our conversation. You’re intelligent, amiable, and skilled at listening and carrying on a discussion. And I came to see that your inner self is what matters most.
With a little smile, he added:
Would it be okay if I sat down next to you and ordered us something delicious? To be honest, I’m starving.
I froze, barely believing what I was hearing. Either my heart stopped, or it accelerated a thousandfold. I had been waiting for these exact words and this response for years. nor sympathy, nor phony backing, just plain acceptance.
I nodded and grinned, genuinely for the first time.
Yes, without a doubt.
And then I realized: I was genuinely happy for the first time in a long time. And it looks like we’ll get married soon.
