David

Bearded since: February 2012. I am an experimental beard grower.

Comments:
I grew my beard because I wanted to do something different. I've made a few feeble attempts at growing a beard over my lifetime. I could never commit due to itching, or the women in my life could not tolerate being close, complaining about being too prickly.

Also, doing some genealogy research, I found that many of my great grandfathers sported a nice manly beard. Somehow, I thought I may be honoring their memory by growing a beard.

How do I feel about my beard? My beard grows straight, sort of porcupine style. I was hoping that the longer it grew, it would start to fill in a bit more. It filled in but doesn't really lie down like I'd imagined.

But aside from that, I really like my beard. I think it frames my face a little better. It also takes a little focus off of my slightly receding hair line. Outside of my own family (wife and daughters), I've received many compliments. Much more than I ever did when I wore a goatee.

I'll admit that the beard has increased my self confidence. I feel like I carry myself in a more manly manner, but not as far as feeling like a lumberjack.