14 Lessons I Learned While Dating a Lumbersexual

Saying that I love a man with a beard is an understatement. Something about a thick chinstrap or mustache puts me into cavewoman mode: "Me. Want. Man." Someone once asked my current boyfriend if his beard was a wig — it's that glorious! But dating a dude with facial hair isn't all cuddles. First of all, my man has just as many beauty products lining the bathroom sink (maybe more) in order to care for his scruff. We literally swap pomades every morning. And sharing a sink — forget about it!

01
He's a pickup artist.
IFC

He's a pickup artist.

He lured you in with that thick scruff and impeccably groomed 'stache. At first glance, you just wanted to run your fingers over that fuzz. And believe us, he knows the power of the beard.

02
He loves the mirror.

He loves the mirror.

This is him coming out of the barber. Shop windows and car mirrors, beware.

03
He has a comb in every pants pocket.

He has a comb in every pants pocket.

Seriously, he buys those little black combs in bulk for on-the-go grooming. Why does he need so many?!

04
He takes longer in the shower than you do.

He takes longer in the shower than you do.

What is going on in there? We'll never really know, but it involves conditioner and a brush.

05
Your pomades and oils start to disappear.
The TODAY Show

Your pomades and oils start to disappear.

When you're not looking, he's totally using the blow dryer and your favorite hair gel to get his mustache to lay just right.

06
Two words: beard burn.
USA

Two words: beard burn.

Hey, at least it's not a hickey.

08
There's always hair in the sink.
Comedy Central

There's always hair in the sink.

Keeping up a beard takes daily grooming, which means your sink is never without a dusting of short, curly follicles.

09
You're on constant food watch.

You're on constant food watch.

Beards attract all types of food, and it's your job as his woman to make sure there are no floaters.

10
Beard body language . . .

Beard body language . . .

You have to learn how to interpret every scratch and mustache move.

11
Other women want to touch it.
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Other women want to touch it.

Back off, b*tch.

12
A beard rub will get you anything you want.
ESPN

A beard rub will get you anything you want.

He has trouble concentrating on anything when your fingers start massaging, so ask all the tough questions now.

13
One day the beard will have to go . . .

One day the beard will have to go . . .

It always happens. He accidentally took too much off of one side or the corporate boss complains, and the beard has to go.

14
And you won't recognize him without it.
Disney

And you won't recognize him without it.

Silver lining: you can pretend it's your man's boyish alter ego.