Matthew J.

Bearded since: 2008. I am a dedicated, permanent beard grower.

Comments:
I grew my beard because it is the natural, wholesome, way for a man to go. Growing up as an Orthodox Christian made being bearded the default status for men. As a saint of the Church said: "This, then, is the mark of the man, the beard. By this, he is seen to be a man. It is older than Eve. It is the token of the superior nature....It is therefore unholy to desecrate the symbol of manhood, hairiness." St. Clement of Alexandria, 2.276

How do I feel about my beard? Great. I hate it when I have to shave for an interview or to accept a job offer. It makes me feel dirty. I get ingrown hairs too, and the beard cures that problem nicely.