Well, I started growing my semi-goatee thing to distinguish myself from my evil twin on campus, at which point I became the evil twin.

It's also a way to make an absolute (cosmetic) break from one's teenage years.

Choices B and C are close to my motivations. And they aren't horribly itchy, though they can be particularly annoying in the summer.

I'd never shave mine if it grew in just a little bit fuller in the moustache.

I really don't want to grow a beard, but I sort of feel like it's something I have to do. Like using all the features on your cell phone at least one -- you just sort of want to make sure you're not missing anything really great.

All guys have experimented a few times... with their beards. Personally, I like the shaven look... of the face. Oh god, everything I'm saying sort of sounds lewd. I like to shave because my stubble is as hard as steel (I've actually worn out shirt collars from stubble friction). Moustaches are awful, beards require too much grooming, and goatees are just... freaky (and you know why).

I know a number of folks that grow beards out for winter. They claim it's warmer. I wouldn't know as mine is too thin and I am unmanly.

I did my facial-hair-to-prove-my-manhood thing in like 11th grade. Got over it fairly quickly due to reasons similar to Thomas' above and, also, because it looked awful.

I grew mine once I no longer had my Headmaster looming over me telling me to get a shave every time he saw me in the hall.

Basically it's laziness. You don't have to shave. You wash your beard like you wash your hair and at the same time. The time you save in the morning can be better spent.

I grew one for the "White Trash" Halloween party we had this year, and it reminded me of why I don't more often: 2-3 weeks of barely endurable agony. The itching is insane.

I've done it in the past, and once it's grown in, it's OK. Kind of nice in the winter. It really feels great to shave it off, though...

just a question: doesn't it drive your lady friends INSANE? and not in the good way?

It's been about a 50/50 split--some like it, some don't. As long as it's not the scratchy stubble, it's usually not a problem.

"just a question: doesn't it drive your lady friends INSANE? and not in the good way?"

I don't want to go into details but my stubble used to scratch (to the point of redness) my g-friend's sensitive skin. Everytime I saw her she wanted me shaved. And when I didn't, things were "difficult". By the way, if you shave with a Mach 3 everyday, you shave about 1/100 of an inch of skin every time. I can't imagine using the new motorized version... isn't that an accident waiting to happen? And if you shave too fast, you can cut really deep. Just imagine paper cuts on your face... ouch!

yes. what is the polite way to say "shave that damn thing off! you're burning my face!"

yes. what is the polite way to say "shave that damn thing off! you're burning my face!"

A gift of a safety razor, fancy blades, badger brush, and shaving soap.

Growing it is itchy, having it is just great. And it IS in fact warmer in winter. And it is much easier than shaving evry day.

But yeah, it's true that the ladies don't tend to dig it.

Also, as far as I'm concerned I started the trend.

And tomorrow I end it.

I just don't know how you go about starting it. It seems like you'd have to take a week off of work and go into seclusion to keep everyone from exploding into laughter whenever they see you.

Tom - in the past I've either started beards when I had a few days off, or when I was working 16-hour days. Work enough of those, glare at everybody you see, and nobody will say anything.

beard intolerance is not closed minded. and i refuse to listen to those arguing the contrary.