Justin had mentioned assumed negative attitudes and I think that's the first thing we need to get in check. The vast majority of people we meet don't say anything either way, don't assume the worst.

Short beards don't really attract much attention. Even the people that don't particularly care for short beards don't normally seem indignant about it. As the beard gets some length that's when you can really start to test the climate for beards and I think the jury's still out on where society is headed. Really long beards seem to be in a separate class, maybe it's the novelty curiosity or some sort of symbolism.

How you dress and care for yourself can certainly make a difference. This is true with or without a beard, however with a longer beard it may be especially true. Don't help people to think the opposite of "clean shaven" is dirty.

In the words of Ricky Nelson "But it’s all right now, I learned my lesson well. You see, you can’t please everyone so you gotta please yourself." After almost 4 decades of wearing a full beard, that just about sums it up.

~ Full beard since 1977