Stumpy

Bearded since: 1990. I am a dedicated, permanent beard grower.

Comments:
I've grown hair on my chin ever since I could, from around the age of 15, as I have a small pimple/mole which I feel is unsightly. My beard has taken many forms, from full facial, to small goatee, with large sideburns, to what it is today. My hairline began to recede around the age of 20. As I used to enjoy wearing my hair long, this came as a bit of a setback as the bald, mullet look was definitely not my thing! So I shaved my head and have kept it shaven ever since. Thus came the experimentation with facial hair!
-- I see my beard now as a tribute to my good friend Mark, who passed away last year. He had the thickest, most incredible beard known to man! I still have some way to go, but dude, this one's for you!!!

I think my beard is some kind of companion. It's there when I'm at my desk pondering an issue or problem, it can be stroked in thought and I even have my own beard brush which can be soothing when stressed. Others see it as a conversation piece, asking how long I will grow it. Or my father will tell me that I have my head on upside down...the usual stuff! I just really enjoy my beard.