Well I love your update and it certainly fits in well around here. Unfortunately the more a look is outside the norm (can be hair, beard, tats, clothing, jewelry... you name it) of those around us, the more challenge it is for those folks to accept it. My only suggestion is to avoid confrontation because that will only increase their intensity.. you may just have to ignore them and tell folks like us who of course will be sympathetic to your situation. Hang in there.

Comment on my first beard attempt