Hey Kev!
Yeah, I'm aware of the psychological changes this condition had brought about in me.
But you know, a few years ago, I choose to get in shape and that really changed the way I interacted with people. As long as I'm in my two shirt/vest system and they're not a girl who wants to touch my chest (don't have to worry about guys doing that, lol), I have no fears; I feel at peace. As long as I'm wearing those things, I can flatten my breasts enough and rear my shoulders back (can't slouch or there they are, ready to feed a baby) so it's not noticable... and that's the biggest shame. I'm so close to being a happy and complete person.
I recognize the way many people react to breasts on a man as just the way we human beings are. I don't hate them for it because.. I do it myself! I find myself joining my friends in joking about obese people sometimes. It's *terrible*, especially since I was one of them, but I find myself doing it. I don't hold anything against anyone for being turned off by breasts on a guy.
Folks, I considered lying and telling you all I had a job and downplaying the severity of my situation because I know there are people out there that freak out and look down on those who are unemployed, but I chose to lay it all out instead. If you would like me to go into further detail about my thick tshirt + special thick outershirts inventions that I use to cover up my breasts and why I can't wear those under a uniform or dress shirt, I can do that. I just assumed I wouldn't have to prove things to anyone here. I came to this board for suggestions and support, not to be shat on. Got a problem with me for not having a job? Bite me. I want to go to work without fear of comments/stares/etc about my breasts every single day, understand? I really hope so. Live the life I've lived, then talk.
I've been hiding this story my whole life, I didn't want to hide anything anymore. I wanted people to know how much breasts on a man can affect ones life. I wanted to finally talk to SOMEONE about my situation, no lies or hidden facts. This is how much it has crippled me, like it or not. Yes, my breasts have destroyed me. I won't apologize for the way I've lived my life. I could have ended up a lot worse. I could be smoking, drinking or addicted to drugs, but I'm not. I just haven't been able to start really living... yet.
One final thought... When this is all said and done, I really feel I'll have ended up as a much stronger, wiser and compassionate person than I would have been without this condition. I understand how precious the little things in life are. I understand what it is to be without them. I understand what it means to live. I've been living my whole life trapped inside a bubble, looking out at other people doing the simple things I can only dream of participating in.
I was so lucky to have a beautiful, sweet girlfriend for almost 4 years (she became a party girl and cheated on me 3 months ago). In fact, if I hadn't been home so much, I would have never met her (met online). I would have never experienced what it is to be with someone but not be able to fully be with them. I refer to not being able to bring yourself to take your shirt off when you make love to your partner. She was very sweet and understood, but it still hurt me a lot. I could never have her rub her hands over my chest (I would always have to guide her hand). I wanted so badly to shower with her, to swim in the ocean with her, to just lay around vegging without my shirt on, but I couldn't.. I was so afraid it would gross her out. It hurt, so much. I feel so guilty about never giving her the chance.
I know what it is to live without. I know how precious the little things in life are; that's one thing I can thank my breasts for.
To the person that asked if I could afford sugery: I believe so. My parents have a pretty large savings and if the surgery only costs them $2k or so (I'm in Ontario and apparantly, OHIP should cover some of it), it shouldn't be a big deal. The hardest part will be starting this process and then telling them what's been wrong my whole life. I'm not really scared of the surgery itself.
Tho all of you who've given me your support: thank you, so much.
And MrFantastic.. LOL! Take your case of BDD to another thread and stop hijacking mine, thanks!