I'm not sure if this is just a local occurrence (as in Southern Indiana) or is it widespread but I've noticed that since I've trimmed my beard to a short all around stub, the looks I get and/or comments have diminished.

I shall remind the rabble that I was growing a very healthy set of mutton chops and they were getting REALLY long and with a lot of body, so I guess you can say the look was greatly improved by the fact of wearing a kilt.

You know, it sorta had the 'old world' feel to my appeal, here comes the guy with the 'old looking' beard and the kilt, and that brought comments and looks.

Now that im just a guy in a kilt, with a 'normal' short beard...things have changed.

I think I'll grow my chops again and try adding a pipe for effect (my mother used to smoke a pipe...she's the Young half of my heritage remember?) and take it from there.

Any other impressions regarding beards, lack thereof and reactions?