JP, and all others, I think I can explain this
phenomenon. When a man wears a beard, you cannot see his face. Thus, if you are
ugly, as I am, and you wear a beard, as I do, your uglyness is disguised by your beard. Just as well-chosen clothing can disguise a multitude of figure problems, a well-chosen beard can make you look any way you choose, except young, of course. I have found that I get the most positive comments from women, including my wife, when I keep mine just long enough that you cannot see any skin through it on the sides, shaved down to the jawline on the cheeks, and a little longer on the chin.