7 Things I Learned While Keeping A Beard


Quote of the day:

A man with a beard was always a little suspect anyway. You couldn't say you wore a beard because you liked a beard. People didn't like you for telling the truth. You had to say you had a scar so you couldn't shave. -John Steinbeck



image: Doghousediaries

I wondered why lately, I've been getting a lot of questions concerning my beard. And as I sat to write this post, my mind wandered to a scene that played out a few months back -and a memorable one at that. You see, I was practically stopped in public by a gentleman who complemented my beard and then proceeded to start a conversation, no scratch that -a question and answer session, not only about how long had I grown it for, but also he asked for grooming and product tips.

Ten minutes later, and after a healthy discussion- or so it seemed, about grooming and whatnot (totally awkward for me, but hey there's a first time for everything right?), I went on my way. And afterwards I thought -well that was a quite random moment. As it turns out, that was the defining moment.

So here are the top 7 things I've learned while keeping a beard.

1. A beard is a great conversation starter. Ever been too shy to talk to people first? Well there you go, thank me later.

2. The first 3-6 months are the hardest. Its going to itch a lot during this period. If you can win this battle, then its smooth sailing from there.

3. It makes you look older. Self explanatory.

4. Random people will ask about your grooming habits.  For example, do not be surprised when a shop assistant asks you how long it took for it to grow, and what grooming tips you can offer -all these while you are at the check out point.

5. Some will question why you are growing a beard, some will hate it, but most will love it. Again, self explanatory really.

6. Grooming is key. With time you will learn what products work for you, and what doesn't. Keeping it neat and tidy is always a plus. Not a mean feat I'd say, but well worth the effort.

7. Some will assume you are religious. Again, self explanatory.


If don't have a beard that's fine. If you are out there with a beard -or thinking of growing one (I've had mine for about 2 years), all I can say is keep growing!

Peace.Love.Light*

Current Listen: Manchester Orcehstra -Virgin 



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86 Comments

  1. Interesting read today. Being a girl I can't grow one but I'd always wondered how it felt. Like a lot of weight on your lower face? I didn't realize so many men had the same questions too.

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    Replies
    1. Haha Nigerian girls love beards. I'm indifferent about it. Though it looks really good on some as I'm sure it does on you :)

      www.mololasblog.com

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  2. @My name is Erika.: Ha, sometimes I forget its even there- its like having short hair on your head really. And yes apparently many men have questions! Thanks for your comment and for visiting.

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  3. Two years!! How much patience you must have had!

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  4. Beards are a Man thing to me! Imagine a beer ad with only bearded guys, nice! Keep up the beard work

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  5. @CookieCrumbs Inc.: Patience yes, I went all out. Thanks for stopping by!

    @flygirlbidiish: I can picture that -with me in it. Appreciate the wise words, thanks for your visit!

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  6. Haha.. That was fun to read. Every point you mentioned must hold so true..
    Enjoyed this one..

    Cheers

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  7. @Geets: Yes indeed. Its nice to have you stop over, thank you!

    @Rajesh: Hello, so good of you to visit and hope to see you around. Cheers!

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  8. Interesting. I can imagine that stroking one would be quite therapeutic. Actually I like beards, well most of them, plus they are very fashionable now. The ones I don't like are the ones that grow untended until they almost reach the waist.

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  9. Interesting. I can imagine that stroking one would be quite therapeutic. Actually I like beards, well most of them, plus they are very fashionable now. The ones I don't like are the ones that grow untended until they almost reach the waist.

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  10. A beard IS an important accessory it seems? Much more thought goes into it than just not shaving. Never thought about this before.... And I have to admit a good beard, just as a good cigar or a good cognac, pleases me.

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  11. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

    I found this post interesting. I know--the few times I've seen women with a beard that they haven't waxed or shaved in a few days--that a beard can be a conversation starter... or a conversation STOPPER. ;)

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  12. Hello,Blogoratti,
    It is interesting. A beard is one thing for men, but could it just be a Western thing? There are not so many Asian men who have beard. The sweltering weather in summer may make men gives up growing beards...? I wonder.
    Thank you for stopping by and your nice comment for my recent post. I look forward to visiting you.
    Have a good week.

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  13. Unfortunately I come from a long line of fairly hairless men. (Except the tops of our heads.) It took me forever just to get a scruffy goatee to grow in.

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  14. Very interesting. I have had my beard for more than 20 years. Never gave it a thought except to trim it from time to time. Thank you for your visit.

    Blessings
    Jim

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  15. I honestly can't relate to this post cos I'm not a fan of beards. I have a thing for one day old stubbles but a full beard is a turn off for me. Although, some men do know how to keep them beards properly trimmed et al, I just can't deal.

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    1. And i know why! Lmaoooo! Terry's journey!!!!

      Blgoratti..... didnt know you had a blog... would come visitig sometime soon... toodles!

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  16. I can grow it with ease, but I don't. The itching would drive me up the wall. My brother has one and I just call him Mountain Man lol

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  17. My husband has had a beard for a very long time. Don't think I'd recognize him without it. I love it and I think it looks very nice on you.

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  18. I've often wondered how it must feel to have a beard...well, I'll never know first hand, will I? lol
    So this fabulous post has clarified it for me! Many thanks for that.
    Your beard looks great...so I hope you never decide to shave. It would be really missed I'm sure...:)

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  19. You left off the most important aspect...!

    It is totally, completely, unquestionably SEXY...!

    Tessa
    (upper NE of US)

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  20. Love your post, dear. Adorable. Keep in touch, pls. Big kiss

    http://mylovelyfashionbih.blogspot.com/

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  21. Love your post, dear. Adorable. Keep in touch, pls. Big kiss

    http://mylovelyfashionbih.blogspot.com/

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  22. My question is "How does your woman do the kissing part"
    For all it's worth, i think it will be interesting to play a beard. My dad kept one and an afro, i played with it a lot.Hehehehe

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  23. Thanks for the beard tips, lol.

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  24. There is something very attractive about a man with a well kept beard. Love it!!

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  25. Hi, thanks for your comment on my blog. I like your beard. My husband would love to grow one with a mustache that curls up on the ends. Did you ever see that article that said that most beards have poop in them. I heard that that article has since been discredited. Thank goodness!

    Cheers.

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  26. I always find members of the #BeardGang attractive...good to know what it feels like, even though I know I can never keep one.

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  27. wow!2 years!can i see a picture?pretty please!!lol.. Personally, i dont like beards.it can get very tickly when you try to snuggle. And like someone asked in an earlier comment, how does the madam do the kising? *runsaway*



    www.thatghlife.blogspot.com

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  28. My hubby has a beard and I've always kind of like men with beards.

    This post reminds me of an old-timey explination for difference between a beard and whiskers. Fidel Castro has a beard... Santa has whiskers! :)

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  29. You must be a warrior! Gladiator, Robin hood and Worf all had beards.

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  30. I can relate to this post! I have a beard, and suddenly, women are telling me how much they like it and they're encouraging me to keep it. I was just talking to a woman who was telling me about the type of hair oils her husband uses for his beard.

    I like (need) the attention, so yes I will keep it as well.

    Have a great week!

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  31. It's OK if you've got a 'proper' beard (what I grew up calling a Naval full set) but some of these silly excuses for a line along the chin - or ridiculous tufts that look like someone's swallowed a paintbrush - look just horrible.

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  32. I once went on an extended backpacking trip and never once shaved. Upon my return, no once noticed. :-)

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  33. Great post. Thanks for sharing))

    http://fairyland111.blogspot.com/

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  34. I hope I never grow one. Although, after menopause I have found the occasional stray chin hair--awk!! LOL! ;)

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  35. That's a lovely article. I really like men with beard :)

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  36. Great post, my colourful hair is also great conversation starter :D

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  37. Choi....Two years? Are you kidding me? Thatz a whole lotta patience. I love well groomed beards tho....so far it looks great on you like it does, then it's fine......


    chincobee.blogspot.com

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  38. Interesting facts! I also like the quote :)

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  39. I never knew these fact about beard , because I am not a big fan of beards ... but I liked it on the late high life singer, Oliver de coque and Barry white. I want to ask blogoratti, how do you manage to eat draw soup without leaving a trail? :D

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  40. cool on the beard as conversation starter - for a man there are surely some possibilities if and if yes then how to grow it and what shape and how long - a bit of science in itself - ha - nice

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  41. It is true, a beard makes you look older:) but I like it:)

    http://irreplaceable-fashion.blogspot.com/

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  42. The first thing I thought when I saw your blog was about beards was a line from a Marx Brothers movie. A tall man with a very pointy beard walks up to Groucho Marx and stands over him looking down and Groucho said, "Don't point that thing at me. It might go off!"

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  43. Hmm. I have never actually given the beard topic any consideration. I basically don't notice the presence or absence of beards in men. Now you have called my attention to it.

    Inner Court of Relationships

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  44. 2years?? Wow.
    I do like the #beardgang movement tho, like the look of a well groomed beard.
    How long do you intend wearing it...forever?

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  45. @Valerie: Yes indeed. And I can see why you don't fancy the waist length types, well me neither. Its so nice of you to come visit!

    @Shadow: I agree. A lot more thought goes into keeping one than most people know. You have nice thoughts, I like. Many thanks!

    @Sioux: Ha, that was a good one. Many thanks for visiting!

    @Tomoko: You've brought up good points. I assume people just grow one regardless of their location or weather, but I can see what you mean. You are welcome and so nice of you to come by!

    @Alex J. Cavanaugh: Ha, the genes. But at least you got a a little goatee as compensation which is nice. Cheers!

    @Irish Cherokee: That's really great, good dedication. Thank you for taking time to drop by!

    @Sunshine: Hello. Its nice to know that even though you don't like beards, at least you acknowledge some do keep them trim and nice. Its nice of you to visit, thank you!

    @Pat Hatt: The itchy stage almost had me, but I overcame. Mountain Man has a nice ring to it, haha. Many thanks!

    @Myrna R.: Big thumbs up to your husband, and its great to know you love it. Thank you for the compliment, and I do appreciate your visit!

    @Ygraine: I'm glad that cleared up things for you. Why thank you, you are far too kind, and I have no plans to cut it just yet. Appreciate your comment and visit!

    @Tessa~ Here there be musing: Ha, you are adorable for that you know. Thanks for that lovely comment, nice of you to visit!

    @My Lovely Fashion: Greetings. I appreciate your visit, and yes indeed I'll keep in touch. Have a great week!

    @Nkem Okechukwu: I think the real question should be, 'how do you manage to eat?'...My mouth is still very much uncovered so I win both ways. Thank you and appreciate your comment and visit!

    @Christine: That's heart warming to know, really appreciate your visit!

    @Highly Favored: Hello that's nice to know indeed, and its great to have you here!

    @msmariah: I wish your husband the best, and with your support I'm sure he'll achieve that. Yes I believe I believe I saw that article, but good to know its been discredited. Poop, like really? Many thanks for your comment and visit!

    @ACatwalkwithPAT: Good to know. Thanks for stopping by and nice week!

    @Miss Chrissy: Oh but you see that's the good part, it ENHANCES the snuggle experience, its all about getting used to it really. I'm on twitter and IG, add me if you are on there. And as for kisses, as long as food can enter my mouth -then no problem with the former then. Thanks for visiting!

    @Bish Denham: Those differences sum it all up pretty nicely, ha! I appreciate your comment and nice of you to visit!

    @Spacerguy: Ha, indeed we are all warriors. Great observation, thanks for coming through!

    @George: Its good to know that you can relate, a wonderful feeling to have no doubt, and enjoy all the attention. Have a nice week and thanks for stopping by!

    @The History Anorak: I agree. Its great of you to pay a visit, thank you!

    @Revrunner: Ha, that was a funny one. Appreciate your comment and visit!

    @Оксана Золотухина: Greetings. Its nice to see you here, thank you!

    @Rita: Ha, that was a good one. Hopefully you don't wake up with a face full of hair any time soon. Many thanks for visiting!

    @Liuba: Well thanks a lot and nice to know you like beards. Great of you to come through!

    @Emmanuelle Pawłowska: Oh that's great and yes it is. Nice of you to visit!

    @Chinco bee: It's a waiting game really, and patience is is key. Thanks for the compliment, nice to have you here!

    @Marleen: Hello and thank you for coming through!

    @Nitty Gritty: Ha, most of those facts are just for fun. And as for the draw soup, yes that's a valid question- but to be honest I don't eat that -only when I travel back home. Thank you for stopping by!

    @Claudia: A bit of science indeed, I like that. Thanks for stopping by!

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  46. @Irreplaceable_fashion: I like that you like, many thanks lovely. Have a nice week!

    @BostonBoy: I was actually thinking of using that quote for this post, well there you go, you beat me to it. Thank you, appreciate your comment indeed!

    @Tamie: Well its nice to know that you like. I don't have a time plan really, just going with the flow. Nice of you to comment and visit!

    @ilola: Great, so no go forth and be aware of every beard you see, hehe. Thanks for visiting!

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  47. Well, thank goodness I don't have a beard. That would certainly be a conversation starter considering I'm a woman :)

    But I do admire them on people that grow them. I imagine they do require work to keep them neat and clean.

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  48. All those questions about grooming, you must have a nice beard!

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  49. This is an interesting post- it's cool that it works as a conversation starter

    Rachel xx
    http://www.thedailyluxe.net

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  50. My brother has one. It goes from goatee to full beard and back depending on his mood. He says he keeps it to hide the scar on his chin (childhood bike accident), but I think he just likes it.

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  51. Hello there,
    I loved this post.
    I have been sporting one for years and I know it is a conversation starter, minimally.
    Great collection of thoughts!
    Have a Wonderful Day!
    Peace :)

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  52. That is so random. Women do that sort of thing all the time about beauty tips so that is actually really cool.

    I will have to tweet this post I like it.

    Deedee

    http://madeupgirl-madeupgirl.blogspot.com

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  53. Hey love,
    I don't know much about beard and how to care for them, but I love John Steinbeck. EAST OF EDEN is still one of my favorite novels. what a wonderful quote.Unexpected, I would say! Hubby shaves his beard because he has white hair popping up. Great post.

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  54. And it actually looks neat on you...the essential thing is for one to make sure they take good care of their beards

    www.glowyshoe.blogspot.com

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  55. Interesting write up and interesting blog too...

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  56. I don't know if you look older, but you wear it good !

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  57. Beards are strange things. Some people can grow them and shave them off and you barely notice the difference. Other people become unrecognizable with or without their beards.

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  58. @Plowing Through Life (Martha): Yes its quite a work to keep indeed. Thanks for visiting!

    @Naija Girl Abroad: I know right...well I try. Thank you so much!

    @Rachel-Beth: Hello. Yes I agree. Nice to have you here, thanks a lot!

    @Liz A.: Oh I see, yes I'm sure he keeps it because he likes it, nice. Good to have you here and many thanks!

    @Chandra Eswaran: Greetings. Its great to know you can relate indeed, appreciate your comment and thank you for taking time to stop by!

    @Madeupgirl: Hello. I'm glad that you enjoyed the post so much that you are willing to tweet it. I'm so grateful, thank you so much and nice of you to visit!

    @Nerline Germain: That's great to know. And so nice to have you stop by. Best wishes!

    @glowy shoe: Appreciate that lovely, nice of you to visit too!

    @Vineeta Yashswi: Greetings and welcome, good to have you visit and thank you!

    @MARTY: Thanks a lot for that, you are far too kind. Good of you to drop by!

    @Paola Lauretano: Hello and thanks for that!

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  59. Very interesting post :) I didn`t know any of beard facts. Have a nice day :)

    Welcome to my blog
    www.blotterlife.com :))

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  60. Hello, interesting questions and a fun post. I think some men look great with a well groomed beard and other do not.

    Thanks for sharing, enjoy your day! BTW, thank you for visiting my post.

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  61. hmmm what an interesting interesting post, sort of not like beards on my guys though; thanks for dropping in at my blog

    much love...

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  62. (◕‿◕。) well except Santa Claus

    much love...

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  63. Seems like all my male friends are growing heavy beards these days and you've validated them. I want one too... seriously!

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  64. Wow how time change great informative post.

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  65. I think beards are nice! And I like to see the men who take care of them when they have a beard and not just let them get a mess. I imagine growing one would be very itchy and scratchy, but after that ok. And you get really lovely products now for putting on the face for beards. You suit one very much :) Wish you a lovely day!

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  66. Interesting. I wouldn't have thought random people wuld ask you questions like that about it.

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  67. Great posts about bread! It's definitely trendy that's for sure :)
    fashionphases.com

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  68. From the image I liked most the part with "filters the air... ... and stray food" :))
    That reminds me of my brother inlaw, he has a big moustache growing over his upper lip when he's not paying enough attention to it. He eats soup always twice. First with the spoon and then he sucks all leftovers out from his moustache.
    I think everyone can imagine that I certainly do not envy my sister for him :))
    Thanks for visiting my blog! :)

    Have a beardiful day :))
    Tinna ✐

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  69. So, have you tested the wood-chopping theory? Does having a beard make you an excellent wood chopper?

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  70. This will come in handy if I ever want to grow a beard. HAHA! :P

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  71. How odd that a beard should evoke such interest. I've had one for so long I don't remember life without it - but it's never to my knowledge been a source of much fascination, particularly (sadly) female fascination.

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  72. My husband had a beard when I met him and had it for years and years. One day while we were doing a jigsaw puzzle he left without saying a word and came back with his beard gone.
    WOW what a surprise that was. I liked his beard and was sorry when he shaved it off. His reason for shaving it off is that he thought it made him look older.

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  73. My husband had a beard for many years after he turned 40. He couldn't grow one until then. My brother, on the other hand, could grow one in three days and would often use that fact in jest with my husband. We all got a good laugh out it.

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  74. Heh. I have had a beard for the last --- well, as long as I could grow one - in some form or fashion. And I can not argue with this at all. And my wife enjoys it too.

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  75. People who don't like beards don't like a lot of other things!

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  76. Oh wow!!! You have been growing Bia Bia for 2 years?! That's hard work oh! Heheheheh Inshort Eezz not a joking sturvzzz oh! I always wondered how the whole trend started or if it will ever stop... but since you are fine with it... Ehmm... I only have to ask... Ehmm... doesn't it chuk you when you lay down on a pillow... and how does it feel eating food with the plenRRy bia bia... heheheheh I can imagine putting food in your bia bia as against your mouth while distracted... lmao... This was an interesting read oh Oga Boss!!! I think I should try do same oh... Keep a beard I mean... Please gimme a second lemme think about it... **Thinking deep... **Then Thinks deeper.. Then **scratches Invisible beards... Nah scratch that... It's too much work... hehehhe Cheers King BlogoraTTi... and the crowd goes Tuen down for Kini?! **winks...

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  77. I love your blog already. I just saw your comment on somebody else's blog and decided to click on your face. I just wanted to say that I wasn't disappointed, so thank you for not disappointing me.

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  78. I'm a big advocate for the beard gang, I love guys who keep em. I'm the person who works up to a guy with a beard and starts the conversation. Two years, that's amazing.

     The Diva Diaries

     

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  79. Reading this post, I couldn't help but think how very similar grooming a beard is like grooming my natural hair.

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  80. Regardingit quadrupling handsomeness, this makde me smile. I've been told more times how good looking I am with this beard, and everytime I think I'm tired of it, I think about the compliments. So I don't shave it. I'll keep it until I have a face-to-face job interview.

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