DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been dating a guy for almost a year. He is super sweet, and we enjoy each other’s company. I told him I wanted and needed to take it slow, and he has been patient. I don’t want to rush into anything. But -- and this may sound weird -- one thing I’m really nervous about is that I wear a wig, and I don’t think he knows it. I have never spent the night with him, but I know the time will come. Plus, I wear different wigs for different occasions -- like ponytails for tennis and a bun wig for swimming. I don’t think he notices. He definitely never says anything. How can I tell him that my hair isn’t “my" hair? This feels almost as intimate as disrobing. -- Wearing a Wig, Jackson, Mississippi
DEAR WEARING A WIG: One thing that many women enjoy is being able to wear their hair in a variety of ways. For generations, wigs have helped women to have more creativity and control over their hairstyles. Your attitude about your hair is what matters here. If you can be upbeat and lighthearted about it, you can easily break the ice. You might mention to your boyfriend that you do wear wigs and have many, for different occasions. As you get more comfortable with him, you might show him your collection. Hopefully you take good care of your actual hair so that whenever the time comes and you do remove the wig, your hair underneath is clean and tidy.
By the way, there is no rush to reveal your wig status. When the time comes, just keep it light. It’s just another dimension of who you are.