Growing My Beard

[Camden]

A big trend I’ve noticed with a few of my friends and many other guys my age is growing well-groomed facial hair. I’ve always been clean shaven, however I think it would be fun to grow out a mustache and short beard. If keep it well trimmed I know it will look good!

My main concern about doing this is thinking about what coworkers and family will think of me. Will they think I’m suddenly lazy and don’t care about my appearance anymore? I’ve heard of facial hair giving bad impressions at job interviews and in more formal work settings. If someone says something critical about, I’ll definitely feel guilty and shave it straight away. Is this a legitimate concern?

 

[MATD]

My opinion is you are more worried about the opinion of others than your own opinion. At what point do we allow other people’s opinions dictate how we conduct our lives? If you want a beard, grow one. Don’t live your life based on what others might think. Food for thought: are you living for others or yourself? Aren’t you entitled to your own opinion?

 

[Camden]

That’s a valid point MATD, and definitely something I struggle with. I’m very self-conscious and shy, and doing something bold like experimenting with facial hair is definitely going to get others’ attention. It’s difficult for me to do what I feel is right for ME. I want to look cool, however I also want to know the right response if someone says it looks bad.

Two of my friends have grown their facial hair and personally, I think they look great with it! As long as it’s well trimmed and styled properly, I know it’s a very common and popular thing for guys to do. It’s never crossed my mind to make any derogatory remarks to my friends about their facial hair. I’ve actually complimented it numerous times. I know rationally, they will probably do the same to me. I think it will make look more mature, too.

 

[MATD]

Buy the wine! In my opinion, we answer to no one but God. He wants us to have good character, to be reputable for reasons we understand. And He also wants us to live in moderation, not overdoing in certain aspects as I’m sure you understand too. But we just cannot live our lives based on the opinions of others, it robs us of the joy of life. This is an opportunity to address your self consciousness/shyness/confidence in a positive way. If you never buy the wine, you won’t know what it tastes like, you won’t enjoy the fruit of the vine. Grow the beard and enjoy a bottle of wine with your fellow bearded friends. Get their thoughts on how they react to the negativity/discouraging remarks. Isn’t that what friends are for? Support? Feedback? ( In Biblical times, facial hair was very important to men. To mess with a man’s beard was degrading to the man, a very sore spot in a man’s ego.)

 

[Camden]

Thanks a lot MATD I really appreciate your continued support. It really is like my silly hangup with the California wines, depriving myself of something that I enjoy. Wonderful point about asking my buddies about their facial hair journey. That would be a fun conversation over a few drinks next time we catch up. It's all a matter of perspective and looking past the petty negativiites that really don't matter.

 

[Cuchculan]

Have always had a beard. Never care what others think about it. Older I get, greayer the beard gets. At times I trim it. Other times I simply let it grow. Might not touch it for up to a year. Beards suit some people. Others are simply not beard people. But not every beard has to look the same. They can be shaped to match a face / jaw line. Do they make much of a difference? No really to the person in general. Might change how they look. That is about that. There are a few Apps were you can put a beard on a face. See what it looks likes. Without actually growing one. I remember when asked why I had a beard when I was in my 20's? I answered ' because I can '. Once I could grow a full beard, I did. Because I could.





Don't you look so cool. OK. Just having my own little bit of fun.

 

[Camden]

Fast forward a month, and my facial hair adventure has gotten great reviews! Everyone at work who's noticed it says it looks nice, looks cool, etc. My friends are encouraging as well. I still shave to keep it trimmed and shaped and it's really looking nice and easy to maintain for now.

Fun fact, I found out I have some red hair mixed in on my chin. My moustashe came in dark blond. It's cool to learn my other natural hair colors and further confirm my Swedish and Irish DNA from way back when.

I'm so glad I took this leap of faith in changing my appearance. It's reinforced how others are nowhere near as critical or judgemental as I imagine them to be. This beard growing has been a fun and hands-on way to combat some of my social anxiety

 

[MATD]

Good for you! If we lived our lives according to how we think others might react, where would we be? Fear is only an emotion, but it can pack a hell of a punch if we let it.