I use an open #0 for the top and then I blend the sides and back all the way to the skin using a foil razor. It's called a skin fade. All this info won't really help you though, because we're all created different. Find a picture of someone that you think you favor, whose style you would like to emulate and take a picture of them to a barber. If they're worth a damn, they should be able to hook you up. Been meaning to tell you that I really admire your positive attitude throughout this self discovery phase you're going through. You seem to be well read and have a friendly disposition. Get a couple nice pairs of shoes that you can rotate, and a decent hygiene regiment and work your way from there. I think you mentioned that you were a bit sheltered in your youth, which is why you're struggling now, but at least you were fortunate to have some people in your corner that loved you. Keep on pushing forward and I wish you well. I will say that slumming message boards looking for advice is not necessarily the best route to take though. Go outside and immerse yourself in the world if you really want some experience to springboard from.