My… my… we do believe in stereotypes. Not every guy, and I’d venture to say not even most guys, have a beard because they are trying to cover up a weak chin or any other “deformity.” Some of us just feel we look better with beards, like some guys think they look better with a mustache or without a beard or with long hair or short hair or bald… it is a matter of preference.
I originally grew it during my senior year of high school. At that point, I grew it because I thought I’d look more masculine. I was going through a rough time in my life, dealing with issues of being gay, etc… and wanted to look as masculine as possible and avoid looking as feminine as possible. And, NO, that is not why I keep it.
I keep it 'cause I like the way I look better with it. However, I have shaved it off. A few times I’ve shaved it off to a goatee (I know, I know… still trying to cover my “weak” chin, right?). And, a few times I’ve shaved it off completely, “just to see what I look like.” However, I didn’t like it as much. So, promptly grew it back.
And, no, Wolf… partner isn’t PC for anything. I just use it instead of boyfriend because boyfriend makes me think of two teenagers, lover makes me think of someone just for sex, significant other is just too nebulous, and spouse… well, we aren’t married, yet. I really don’t like partner either… sounds too much like we are in business together. But, I’m at a loss for what to use… “special, special friend”?
Now, back to the original topic of this. I’ve been to department stores. I’ve only ever seen regular razors with small “trimming attachments” for straightening sideburns, etc… They really aren’t do-able for full beards. As for hair trimmers, they are usually too big and don’t provide enough length selection in the guard attachment. And, after cutting a chunk out of my beard the first time I tried to trim it without the guard, I won’t do that again. Finally, I’m too clumsy to try scissors on my own. My partner/boyfriend/lover/significant other/future spouse/special friend would probably find me on the floor of the bathroom with my neck slashed.
Oh… I did bring a trimmer to Taiwan. It was rechargeable. But, the integrated rechargable battery died on me. But, to put this topic to rest, (the trimmer part, anyway) my p/b/l/so/fs/sf found a way to fix it. He’s so handy.
Thanks to all.