Granted having a beard does age us....I know I look at least 6-7 years younger without mine.....but I am so used to having it - having only shaved it completely off, once about 7 years ago (and immediately regretted it and started growing it back.)

Funny thing was that my daughter who at the time was 2 years old and had never seen me without the beard, made "strange" with me when I emerged from the bathroom. It was pretty funny but rather distressing for her and she refused to believe I was her Dad. I'm reasonably sure I am. (grin)

Usually when people who know you see you without the beard, they usually ask if you've lost weight, and don't clue in to the fact that the beard is gone. I just tell them ''No, haven't lost any weight. The Bank repossessed it!"

(Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to all Mudcatters.)