I had a beard for a long time in my old hippie days, but got tired of maintaining it, so I shaved for about twenty years. Till a couple of years ago, when I developed a skin condition. My doctor made a few attempts at solving it which did not work. He finally advised me to stop shaving, as it seemed to cause further irritation. "Are you serious, you mean grow a beard?", I asked. "Not necessarily", he replied, "just stop shaving".

Doctor Joe was right. I stopped shaving and it all cleared up. I even got a job as a nurse at a local prison, which required clean shaven personnel. Had a Doctor's excuse, you see. Other than the Dentist, who had a beard and was the only Dentist willing to visit the prison, I was the only employee ever allowed to have a beard in that place. They said their policy was because beards will allow tear gas to seep in even if you have a gas mask on. I think that's all bullshit. They wanted people to conform to the police/military mindset, but were obviously willing to bend the rules when absolutely necessary. I'm glad it is in my past.

My wife does'nt seem to mind the change, and my two young daughters are amused by my "whisker hugs". Thanks, BlueJay