Look but not up the sky! Is it a plane? Is it Superman? No, it's my beard!

I have the most pleasant encounter today. Since my work cabin is undergoing furious renovation, and I am completely at a lost as how to remain productive, I went around the hospital and try to meet other personnel. I am glad that everyone seemed to be very friendly today. Smiles were given out generously. There are the occassional nods, thumbs up signs, hand shakes and the more traditional "How are you? Fine? Great!" However, there was this fellow who went out of his friendly nature and tried to pull me aside. I noticed his concern. He is one of the few "closer than mere acquaintances" of mine. He told me that I need to shave my beard because it was untidy and hospital officials might notice me and not be happy about my beard. I know he meant well so I never took it against the fellow but I decided to ask others about the issue.

You see, I respect the belief that beards can be untidy if one would just allow his beard to grow wild. In my case, I maintained my beard manicured I can actually join the World Beard and Moustache Championship. It was just my beard today is really long but not long enough to qualify me for a hermit. Besides, it is not an implied company rule that men must clean shaven. Most of all, we are in the Middle East where being bearded is actually preferred. Personally, I would consider it an insult to hairy guys to be asked to shave clean their beards.

I am in a dillema. It is not our company policy to clean shave but I agree I might look more presentable if I clean shave. However, I am not shaving my beard simply to appease someone. It is not fault if my genetics would have me grow these virile beard. How I wished my moustache would have been thicker.