Tom, I'm sure your over it by now, but I just wanted to tell you that I can relate. When I was growing up I had really long hair. Middle of my back. Wore a ponytail. It was just part of he who I was. My father is ex military and for some reason associated long hair with everything bad in life. Something I was proud of was a bane to him. One time I got into some trouble in high school, nothing serious. However, my parents instead of the typical punishment of grounding decided that I would have my hair cut off for a punishment instead. It still bothers me a little bit to this day and it was 25 years ago. Cutting my hair off was like cutting out part of my soul. I know that sounds heavy, but it was a horrible horrible thing to do. Sadly,like your situation they used a situation to accomplish what they wanted without having to just come out and say it on there own and trying to make me do it. Things like that sting. For the record, my wife is a huge fan of facial hair and like yours prefers me with hair on my face. I think she is the only person that I really care about how they view how I look. As long as she is cool with my look then everybody else can go f themselves. She like I think your beard is badass. You like me look much better with facial hair. My wife thinks it makes you look like a man. Rugged. Shes right. And the braids are proof that you are grown up and very content with who you are. I think they are Badass myself. Not everybody can accomplish that even if they wanted to. BEARDSPEED.