The reactions to something so simple as a change in appearance is fasciating, now that my facial hair as gone past scraggly:

  • My wife insists she won't put out until I shave it. I love this. I continue to make moves, kiss, and in general, not let it phase me. I'll shave it when I'm good and ready. This shit itches. But I'm curious how far I can push the resistance.
  • Other men tease me about it. "Did you lose your razor?" (Dad) <Grabs Chin> - Folks at Kiwanis. "You're growing a beard?" - Other dads.
    I'm not sure what the litmus test is here, but yeah - the reactions are fascinating.
  • My kids - my daughter has stopped telling me I need to shave, which I view as a good thing. It's like I'm teaching her that men do this. And my son seems to be digging it.

At this point, I'm going to keep it until I hit my goal weight of 215 lbs (5 more to go), but not tell my wife that.