Sometimes people have the best of intentions. Others, not so.
Throughout my life as an alopecian, I’ve encountered some really weird things. As a reminder, not everyone is like this. Some people take pity on you, others feel like you deserve everything for being bald, and a lot of people think you have cancer. Without further ado, in no particular order, here are the top three weird things that happened to me.
1.
My mom and I were traversing a mall in La Jolla when I spotted a LEGO™️ store. I love those stores because I enjoy looking at the different sets. We browsed around—well, I did—and then it was time to go. There was almost nobody there, and the cashier saw her chance and gave me a little suitcase-shaped set. She must have thought I had cancer or something, because it was meant for me. I said thank you a little timidly, and went on my way. Later, I opened it to see it included a mini figure and some accessories. The cashier had the best of intentions, and I liked the gift very much, but it is very weird to get a gift because of something that never happened!
2.
My family was having brunch at a restaurant, and my pancakes’ maple syrup was delicious and very sticky. I took a break from my food and went to the bathroom. There, I realized I needed to go anyway. After I came out of the stall, I saw a woman washing her hands. She said, “Are you finishing your treatments?” She thought I had cancer! I explained,
“No, I don’t have cancer. I have another disease, though.” I stayed out of the details because I didn’t feel like explaining, and so I stayed silent. An awkward pause ensued, and I moved in to wash my hands.
“Oh. I’m finishing mine.” I then moved away to join my family and tell them about what happened.
3.
Our family was going to a place called the Camarillo Outlets, where there were many outlet stores all in rows, circling around huge parking lots. When it came to savings and wide varieties of wares, you had to go there. We stopped at a pretzel place, bought some food, and sat down on the curb. A group of three boys and their parents were behind us, and the middle child came over and asked, “Are you a boy or a girl?” I replied,
“I’m a girl.” Then he said,
“I’ve never seen a girl like you before!” My mom was surprised that the parents had not caught them. The next time the youngest came over.
“I’ve never seen anyone like you! Goodbye, I’m going to faint now,” and he tilted over by way of pretending to faint.
“That’s rude!” I exclaimed. The parents were quite lazy, and did not reprimand their children. I decided to not let that get in my way, though, and continued shopping with unmarred nonchalance.
So this ends our story. Remember, most kids ages 4-8 won’t know any better, and will make remarks they don’t mean to hurt. Sometimes, though, they will do it just to see you break down, so don’t let them push your buttons. Honestly, most people don’t say anything. Whether they consciously remind themselves not to or just feel like there is nothing to say, we’ll never know. Just be yourself and, as I say, put duct tape over your buttons so others can’t push you.
