Seven things only the bearded can truly understand

There is no way around this fact - there are some things that can only truly be known when you live and breathe the beard. Some of these things are joys, some of them challenges, but the good always outweighs the bad, and you know the saying: With great beard comes great responsibility. In other words, it's not only about ourselves, but the joy we give to others when they happen upon our majestic manes. These seven things only scratch the surface, let's be frank, but here they are.

1. THE BEST IDEAS COME WHEN STROKING YOUR BEARD

It's true that one of the golden rules of good beard grooming is to leave the beard alone as much as possible, but there are times when beard stroking and genius go hand in hand, and it just has to happen. No problem - we as humanity cannot afford to forfeit the brilliance coming from the minds of beard strokers everywhere. So, let the beard stroking happen we say!

2. THE BEARDED NOD

This is the nod of acknowledgement when you pass another man with a beard. Nothing needs to be said in this moment - a man with a beard always appreciates another good beard. As we've said before, it's just nature.

3. THE PATIENCE & DEDICATION REQUIRED TO GROW A FULL BEARD

It may seem simple to the unbearded, but letting that beard hair grow and reach the kinds of proportions we see at the World Champs for Beards, or on Hans Langseth (pictured above with a whopping 5.33m long beard), takes serious patience and dedication. Cultivating this kind of patience has positive repercussions in every area of life, and it just generally makes you an awesome person.

4. ENJOYING A WARM FACE ON A GOLD NIGHT. GOLD.

Image credit: @LANGLEVEDEBAARD

5. DRINKING A PINT OF GUINNESS KNOWING YOU'LL NEED ABOUT 15 NAPKINS TO GET THROUGH IT

6. LEARNING NEW TECHNIQUES TO EAT

Check out this awesome video from Beardbrand showing a brilliant technique for preventing the old mouthful of mo when eating a burger, sandwich or other such food.

7. LOOKING IN THE MIRROR AND BEING CONFRONTED WITH A BAD CASE OF MORNING BED BEARD

Then sorting that bastard out with a brilliant grooming routine and feeling the satisfaction of that transformation. Bearding on into your day feeling good to be alive.