I try to avoid feeling like I'm hiding behind a beard. Which is how I tend to feel if I keep one for too long.

I have a habit of growing a beard, keep it for some time, shaving it into a moustache, keeping that for a bit and then going clean shaven for a few weeks before starting it all over again.

All due to varying feelings of self-consciousness/self-confidence.

However, judging by this gauge...I guess I've never had a beard.