John

Bearded since: 2005. I am a dedicated, permanent beard grower.

Comments:
I call it my "disguise" because when I was growing up, people would invariably say I looked like such a nice boy, young man, or guy. And I am. But nice guys finish last and I decided the "clean-cut" look had to go. Now people have to get to know me before they decide if I'm a nice guy.

How do I feel about my beard? I love it. In a society that has come up with dozens of ways to remove hair and which obligates most men to adhere to some preconceived "professional" appearance, I honestly believe I get more respect and attention wearing a simple goatee than I ever did wearing a necktie.