That's kind of a big question. I don't usually reply to anons because I figure they will never come back to find the response, but perhaps the motivations behind something so superficial (superfacial?) would be of deep interest to my friends. :)
There are lots of reasons. Especially given that I'm not a great fan of facial hair. Especially on younger people. Sometimes it seems pretentiously hippy or hipsterishness: especially on skinny guys like me. There's something about it that makes your head seem larger than the rest of you, almost oversized. I've enjoyed a smooth face and the energy I associate with its reflection of youth for a while.
Halloween
The primary surface reason: I grew it for my Halloween costume. I'd been trying to decide whether to go Trick or Eating as my favourite video game character (wants long, blue-dyed hair) or movie/comic character, Scott Pilgrim. Both costumes have strong associations I'd like to not be reminded of right now, and I'd been playing with swords a lot lately, so, the obvious solution was suggested by a friend: Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi! :D Due to a mix-up in bags when visiting my father, though, I ended up leaving my robes there, and had to improvise a wandering samurai costume using my kendo attire at the last moment, which was also awesome and proved quite popular. Someone even made the connection between me and Blackthorne from ShÅgun (about a European stranded in feudal Japan).
"Maturity"
There are many supporting reasons, such as to look my age. I'm 27 now on a campus of littered with 19 and 20 year olds, and I was being regularly confused for an undergraduate. People don't look surprised when I tell them I'm a Masters student with my beard. :) It's flattering to have a girl flirt with you, but not when it's because they mistake you for someone 7 years younger. :D I guess I also feel more adult than I previously did, which is a little regrettable, but alright. I don't want to remain artificially young or grasp after youth, and I still refrain from coffee. :D
Schwarting Suitability
It suits Schwartings, male and female alike. I visited Germany this summer (which was amazing!) and didn't have regular access to shaving materials. I used a razor for the first few days while I was there, but then decided to just let it be. By the end, I was surprised to like the appearance. People responded well. And there's also family history involved. My father has the most amazing beard. My father is amazing. Having this beard makes me feel a bit closer to him. My uncle even has a nifty beard. I have a strange habit of plucking chin hairs, so it came out a little weird then, but I think that habit was associated with stress and overcoming that has allowed my chin to be a rich forest. :)
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| Father Beard |
There's a bizarre sentimental component which I won't go deeply into, but I once had a friend who always liked the idea of me having a beard. I used to tease the idea of it, and took for granted that they'd always be around to actually do it in the future. It's too late now, but now is when I have it, so it's a bit sad and a little ironic. It's a rare sentiment I probably shouldn't indulge, but ah well.
Popularity
Last and certainly least, there's been an overwhelmingly positive response. Guys respect it. Ladies love it! I've done a couple surveys, and some of the responses have made me blush. One friend threatened to cry if I shaved it off. My face is a democracy and the consensus is clear: let there be beard!
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| Me at Fair November after making a couple dozen captain's hats for my lab and friends. One Fair November staffer got reprimanded for wearing hers all day. :D |
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