I was watching football this weekend and realized I have a very bad habit – I stereotype. Like almost everyone else out there, I judge people based on their looks. Specifically, I was watching the outrageous fans (you know – the ones who paint their bodies with team colors) and the cheerleaders (who all look exactly alike).

Okay, so I know not every cheerleader is the same. And not all sports fanatics are crazy. And I need to shake those stereotypical thoughts from my head. After all, I know a thing or two about stereotypes. I’ve experienced male pattern baldness for a few years now.

And if there is one thing men with baldness or thinning hair want people to realize, it’s that we’re not all George Costanza (from Seinfeld). There is a lot more to our character. So what makes up your character? And how can you use those attributes to break the bald guy stereotype? Here are some ideas:

• You have a sense of humor. Classic stereotypes say that bald guys are either grumpy or sarcastic, right? Well, if you’ve got a sense of humor, use it. Smile a lot. Tell jokes. And be sure to cheer up those around you that are feeling less than perfect.
• You are compassionate. In addition to being grumpy, many balding men are perceived as being heartless or at least not very friendly. If you’re a compassionate person, help us bald guys out by being a listening ear to those around you. Maybe one day, instead of seeing thinning hair, people will look at guys like us and think, “I’ll bet he’s a really good listener.”
• You are smart. If you have male pattern baldness and you wear glasses, you may already be giving the impression that you’re smart. (Glasses tend to add an intelligence stereotype.) But if you’re a sharp dude, don’t hide it. We all want people to perceive us as being smart and capable.
• You are well-built. Yeah, that one has absolutely nothing to do with your character. But it still fits into our stereotypes. Men with male pattern baldness are supposed to be short and frumpy, right? Let’s break that belief. If fitness is important to you – flaunt it. Get people used to the idea that even bald guys can be in great shape.
• You are interesting. Hopefully you are not the guy that gets invited to parties just to be ignored. If you are great at conversation and can talk about a variety of topics, then go to more parties. We need guys like you out giving us a new image.

Sometimes, when people expect you to fit the stereotype, it’s easy to fall into those traits. Being sarcastic, withdrawn, or irritable is easier than being kind, compassionate, fun, and out-going. But thinning hair or male pattern baldness should not define us to the world. We need to make our own impression. So take what’s great about your character and flaunt it!

Look Good, Feel Great!

Christopher Denison

http://www.volluma.net/men/