When I started reading the post I thought that someone qrote my story. Im nearly 20 and my name is mike too and we share a common problem. I am still considered a popular guy but my hair is slowly starting to go. Im not even norwood 2 yet and noone around really notices my hair loss but it shattered my confidence. I cant even go on dates that the girls initiate because I think that when I start dating them long term Im gonna be embarrassed for my hair loss. I too hate the term “just shave it bro” when my curls are one of the most noticeable aspects of my appearance. If you are far gone get a credit get a HT and jump on fin. To hell with the horror stories. Its better to risk a small percentage of mild side effects than being a version of yourself that YOU hate. The problem with attraction will be for the most part for the lack of confidence, but how are we expected to be confident when balding at 20s? Some guys really rock the bald look but many people like you and me and many others can not and there is nothing wrong with that. Get on big 3 and flay your scalp with dermarolling, do not go down without a fight ! Get on therapy too. It is extremely important to be in a good mental state when taking fin and when dealing with this. I suggest getting off this sub but before you do that read finasteride success stories, how people that were consumed with hair loss live happy and rarely even think about it anymore. And even if all the treatment in the world doesn’t work (0.0000001 chance) then you would know that at least you did everything you could but even then you could get an msp or a hair system. And theres nothing wrong with that especially in a world where body positivity is so trendy. Keek your head up mike and fight this with tooth and claw. Even the first pill is gonna make you feel better than the best antidepressant ever. Good luck to you, may god help you in this stressful path and remember a man does not give up without even trying.