As a bearded man, I must point out what Minnie Pearl said on the matter: "Kissing a feller with a beard is like a picnic. You don't mind going through a little brush to get there."

Beard burn is less of a problem when it's been a couple of days since the last trim; the sharp edges created by trimming have had a chance to wear down a bit. Hair conditioner can help speed up the process. A fluffy beard would be less likely to irritate you; it's the guys with the perpetual stubble that will cause you problems.

One of the surprises I had in visiting New York was the prevalence of the "hello" kiss. Out here greeting kisses are pretty much limited to family.

Hahaha, yeah we take our greeting kisses fairly seriously. Also, the fact that I'm Russian guarantees that everyone does it. A beard is much better than stuble for my face.

I happened to spot that article when reading the New York Times editorial on that Christian guy in Afghanistan. I had only had a mustache up until early February, when I got the flu and didn't feel like shaving for a week. After that, I just let it grow out. And then, yesterday, I learn that I'm suddenly on the cutting edge of fashion! Who knew?!

I wore a full beard from 1979 til about 1997. Got tired of trimming it, getting potato chip crumbs caught in it, couldn't eat spaghetti in public, that sort of thing. Shaved it off ('cept for the mustache) and never looked back. Never had a woman remark that my whiskers irritated her skin in any way. Tickled, maybe- but that's another story.

NOW, i am inspired