My husband and I have been together 18 years this month. He has always been clean shaven. The last couple months he decided to grow his beard. His hair coverage is patchy and his actual hair type is course and thick.

It’s literally like an unkempt bristle brush. I hate the way it feels against my skin when we kiss. It doesn’t look horrible, but it’s not good either. I tried being supportive and bought him beard oils, shampoo and conditioner. I thought it would make his hair softer. It doesn’t. I’m finding myself getting turned off when I’m kissing him. Today it pricked inside my nostrils.

It’s repulsive, like kissing bug legs.

I don’t want to discourage him from expressing himself or trying new styles. How do I get over this? Do you guys suggest ways he can make it less prickly.