I have been pulling my hair for 3 or 4 years now, and it has created large patches of missing hair on my head, that I have been able to cover up by shaving (I'm a woman but it still works on me), or by wearing hats everyday (thank god hats are part of my uniform at my job).

However, I am deeply ashamed of my behavior and feel that people would think I'm crazy, odd, or a freak because I do this. Because of this, the only people that know are my parents, my grandparents, and like 2 other people (who my parents told without my consent, annoyingly). I have close friends whom I love very much, but I am still afraid to tell them. I have been able to keep it from them for as long I've known them, but not telling feels just as wrong as telling- I feel like I'm 'keeping soemthing from them' or lying about who I am.

Is this wrong? Should I tell them? I know they'd probably be understanding and supportive, but what if they react badly? I am so ashamed I try to change the subject when even my own parents bring it up.

Is this bad or wrong, or is it perfectly ok to hide it from my close friends? I know I can't hide this part of me forever, and that any future boyfriend will have to find out eventually, but for now I'm just keeping quiet about it.