Especially when you’re going for a longer or tapered beard, you’re better off trimming the bulk around your chin with scissors, but you can still use a beard trimmer on the sides and around your cheeks.  Start with a longer setting on your beard trimmer. Nearly all beard trimmers are going to have a guard with adjustable lengths. Since it’s always easier to remove a bit more rather than grow some back, start with a longer setting on the trimmer and move down incrementally until you find the setting you want.  No matter whether you’re trimming with scissors or a beard trimmer, always trim your beard when it’s dry. When it comes time to pull out the scissors, start from the bottom and trim slowly in small groupings rather than shearing too much.  Use a comb in coordination with the scissors to trim at equal lengths. Though you start at the bottom, you may find it helpful to trim up one side of your beard to shape it, then duplicate it on the other side afterward as opposed to shaping the whole thing at once. Sometimes the difference between a kempt beard and a grizzly one is a matter of cleaning up the edges. Shaving any stray upper cheek hairs, cleaning up your neckline, and trimming any accompanying mustache (if you have one) are all important in managing your beard. The standard way to determine your neckline is to look at your profile in a three-way mirror and imagine a slightly curved line the runs from just behind your earlobe down to just above your Adam’s apple. Shaving anything below this line will create a suave, natural neckline.

Summary: Trim the sides with a beard trimmer. Trim with the scissors slowly and methodically. Do any final edging.


Even if the label on your shirt says "pre-shrunk," it would still be a good idea to wash it. This will remove any potential starch or stiffener that might prevent the paint from sticking properly. Spread some newspaper on a table, and get anything that might get ruined out of the way. It might also be a good idea to have some paper towels (for blotting) and a cup of water (for rinsing the paintbrush) handy as well. The cardboard should be about the same size as the shirt. You want it to slip inside the shirt easily without stretching it. This will prevent the paint from bleeding onto the back of the shirt. You can also use a folded up newspaper for this. Even an old magazine or catalogue will do in a pinch. If you are nervous about free-handing the design, you can always trace your design first using a stencil and a permanent marker, and then fill it in. Consider using a few paintbrushes in different shapes and sizes; a flat brush will give you some nice, crisp edges while a pointy brush is great for detail.  If you want your design to have multiple colors, such as a smiles face, do the background color first. Let the paint dry, then do the details. Try to get paint brushes meant for painting fabric. They usually have stiffer bristles made from taklon. Avoid natural brushes, such as camel hair, as they will be too soft to hold the thick paint and create nice designs. If you'd like, you can speed up the drying process by blowing the paint with a hair dryer. Do not remove the cardboard inside the shirt until the paint is completely dry. Once the paint dries, you can flip it around and paint the back as well. Keep the cardboard inside the shirt and let the paint dry. If the paint is sticking to the cardboard, don't panic. Simply wiggle your finger between the shirt and the cardboard to pry it apart. Discard the cardboard when you are done, or save it for another project.

Summary: Get a plain t-shirt and wash to remove any shrinking. Set up your work area. Place a piece of cardboard inside the T-shirt. Paint your design using fabric paint. Let the paint dry. Remove the cardboard. Finished.


To act silly around your boyfriend, stop worrying about what he thinks. Commit to being yourself instead of trying to change your personality for him. If he doesn’t appreciate your genuine personality, he’s definitely not worth your time.  Make a list of all your strengths, and read it daily to give yourself a confidence boost.  When you’re feeling unsure, stop for a moment and remember a time when you felt super confident. Try to recall the sights, sounds, and smells of that moment. Bringing yourself back to a moment of high confidence can help you feel more confident in the present.  Listen to some confidence-boosting jams! You can even make a “confidence playlist” to psych yourself up. Part of being silly is being completely present. Instead of worrying about being funny or saying the right thing, focus on having a great time with your boyfriend.  If you feel yourself starting to worry, focus on your breathing. Then, bring your attention to what you see, feel and hear around you.  Notice your boyfriend’s smile, the feeling of his hand in yours, and the sound of his laugh. If you feel the urge to do something silly, do it right away. After all, being silly is about letting go. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to hold back. Try channeling your goofy inner child who doesn’t care what others think.  If you’re sitting by the lake, start a splashing war! Propose an impromptu game of hide-and-seek or tag. While there’s definitely a time for seriousness, there’s also a time to laugh and be goofy. Not every conversation with your boyfriend needs to be deep and emotional. Having silly, lighthearted interactions is important for a strong relationship, too. Don’t take yourself too seriously, either. It’s ok to act like a fool sometimes. In fact, it can actually be pretty fun!
Summary: Embrace your unique personality. Be present. Be more spontaneous. Don’t take things too seriously.