Creator: stanleyskeldon
Published: 2022-03-22T06:42:37Z
Keywords: significant other

Beards are more than just a grown-out mess on your face – they are an expression of your identity, style, and personality. However, if you’re in a relationship, your significant other may feel differently about your beard.

They may view it as unkempt, unprofessional, or even unpleasant to touch. As a result, it’s essential to know how to explain your beard to your partner in a way that is respectful, informative, and convincing. Here are ten tips on the art of explaining your beard to your significant other.

1. Understand the Benefits of a Beard

Before you dive into the conversation, it’s essential to know why you choose to grow a beard in the first place. Beards can improve your self-confidence, protect your skin, enhance your appearance, and provide warmth during colder months.

By acknowledging these benefits, you can articulate the importance of your beard to your partner and help them understand why a beard is an integral part of your personal style.

2. Recognize Your Partner’s Concerns

Your partner’s disapproval of your beard likely comes from a place of concern, such as hygiene, cleanliness, or social norms. It’s essential to recognize and respect their perspective, even if you don’t agree with it.

Ask them about their specific concerns and listen actively to their answers. By doing so, you can address their concerns and find common ground.

3. Communicate Your Intentions

Beards can signify many things to different people. For example, you might grow a beard as a fashion statement or a personal preference. Alternatively, you might grow a beard as a representation of your heritage, culture or religion.

By communicating the intentions behind your beard, you can help your partner understand why it matters to you and contextualize the beard in the broader scope of your identity.

4. Offer to Make Accommodations

If your partner’s concerns are hygiene or cleanliness, you can offer solutions to address their concerns.

For example, you can promise to shampoo, condition and comb your beard regularly, apply oils or balms to keep it groomed and healthy, or avoid touching the beard in public. By offering accommodations, you show your partner that you respect their viewpoints and are willing to make changes to alleviate their concerns.

5. Explain the Maintenance Involved

Beards require maintenance, and sometimes, your partner may not understand the effort that goes into keeping one well-groomed.

Explain the maintenance involved, such as trimming, shaping, washing and conditioning, and how you prioritize taking care of your beard daily. By doing so, you can show that a beard isn’t an expression of laziness, but rather a sign of personal responsibility and self-care.

Unfortunately, societal norms dictate that beards are unprofessional or unattractive, especially in some workplaces or industries.

If this is the reason behind your partner’s disapproval, discuss the social stigma surrounding beards and how it impacts your personal and professional life. You can educate them on the different ways to style and groom a beard for a more professional appearance and show examples of successful individuals that have beards.

If your partner is hesitant about the feeling of your beard, share the benefits of skin-to-skin contact.

Research has shown that skin-to-skin contact leads to the release of oxytocin, which promotes relaxation, decreases anxiety, and strengthens relationships. By showing your partner that your beard enhances intimacy and connection, you can build trust and intimacy through touch.

8. Demonstrate Confidence in Your Appearance

Your personal appearance is an essential aspect of your self-confidence and identity. If you’re confident and happy with your beard, these feelings can translate to your partner and convince them that you look and feel best with a beard.

Demonstrate confidence in your appearance and pride in your grooming choices, and your partner might come to embrace your beard as well.

9. Compromise on Style and Length

If your partner’s disapproval comes down to style or length, consider compromising on the style or length of your beard.

You can make small changes to your grooming routine to alter the appearance of your beard, or consider growing or trimming your beard to suit their preferences. Compromising shows that you value your partner’s opinion and that you’re willing to make changes to keep them happy.

10. Respect Each Other’s Choices

The most crucial aspect of explaining your beard to your significant other is to respect each other’s choices. Your partner may not change their opinion on your beard, and that’s okay.

Ultimately, it’s crucial to communicate honestly, listen actively, and respect each other’s perspectives. By doing so, you can maintain a happy and healthy relationship that respects your individual choices and preferences.