DEAR ABBY: Your reply to “Bald in Baltimore,” the man who’s considering getting rid of his wig, left me feeling you were advising someone with an “affliction” that isn’t normally publicized. (I have false teeth, so should I also have a “coming-out party”? Pun intended.)

My 40-something-year-old son lost most of his hair by the time he was 22 – thanks to genes from my side of the family. When he was in his 30s, he and a couple of friends shaved their heads on a dare, and he has kept it that way ever since. It’s a popular and fashionable look. “Bald in Baltimore” should retire the wig and join the bandwagon with a shaved head. – NANCY IN SPRING, TEXAS

DEAR NANCY: If my comment about the “coming-out party” offended you, it was not meant to. I was being literal. Many other readers agreed with me that the hairpiece was unnecessary. Read on for a sample:

DEAR ABBY: Your idea of a coming-out (or off) party is a great one. He must have a sense of humor about all this. Have a laugh and be done with it. I hope he knows that what makes a man appealing isn’t a head of hair but his attitude, outlook, and the way he treats others. When he loses the wig he will gain his freedom. – DENVER LADY

DEAR ABBY: Hooray to “Bald in Baltimore” who’s thinking of ditching his rug. Many women find bald men attractive, and I am one of them. So what if his head is shaped a “little” funny! That’s what makes him an individual, like our fingernails, noses or toes. I’d rather see a bald man any day than a “rug” or a “comb-over.” That man needs to know he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. And bravo to you, Dear Abby, for suggesting a coming- out party. What an excellent idea. – T.L.C., CANVAS, W.VA.

DEAR ABBY: I totally agree with your answer to “Bald in Baltimore.” My husband has the same problem. I met him when he was bald. We have been married seven years and have three beautiful children together. I think it’s time that writer ditches the wig and becomes the man he always wanted to be! – M.S., OKEECHOBEE, FLA.

DEAR ABBY: I worked for many years with a man in the same situation. His mother also objected to him “coming out” from under the wig. Her real objection was that his baldness made HER feel “old.” Perhaps that’s what is behind “Bald in Baltimore’s” mother’s comment as well. – PATRICIA IN BELLE, W.VA.

DEAR ABBY: I am in my late 20s. When I was still in college, I met a wonderful man in his 30s. He was completely bald. He explained to me that when his hairline began to recede, he started shaving his head rather than dealing with the anxiety of it. I saw old pictures of him with hair, and I can honestly say I like him better without it. What attracted me to him was his personality, his intelligence, and the fact that he treated me better than gold.

Please tell “Bald in Baltimore” to do what he feels comfortable with and be true to himself. In the end, he’ll find it is the best decision he ever made. – SHERI IN ALBERTVILLE, ALA.

DEAR ABBY: When I read your advice to the man in Baltimore to have a “coming-out party” to get rid of his wig, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be wild to arrange to ‘shave’ his head if people pledged money for cancer research or some other favorite charity?” – KATHY IN CHICAGO

DEAR KATHY: Yes! I love your idea. Way to go!

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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