Letters: I MAY be rushing headlong into dangerous territory, but here goes.

To borrow from a long ago poem "imitate the action of the tiger - stiffen the sinew - summon up the blood".

I cannot understand why so many young men are so fond of the half-shaved look.

It seems as if they have been halfway through shaving, have been called away, and then forgot to return to finish the job.

Many years ago, this was called "five o'clock shadow". Now it looks like "five-day shadow".

Believe me fellas, this look does not improve or enhance your appearance. Is it just laziness, or wanting to save on razor blades and shaving cream? Only joking!

As usual, it was a look that started overseas. And I am certainly not criticising men who in their job do not have to shave during the week.

I certainly didn't when I lived in the country. I believe if you are given the gift of youth, make the most of it.

The ladies certainly do. They appear to go to a great deal of trouble, care and expense to look their very best, particularly for a special occasion.

And this is what men should do, especially when you are with that special girl.

Perhaps the women folk in your family have hinted, suggested, even demanded this, all to no avail.

I have already been mildly rebuked in the SMS column of this newspaper for not concerning myself with more serious issues. Well, I mainly do.

If I have any readers apart from my immediate family - and I have my doubts about some of them - they would attest to this.

My most recent letter to the editor was about the ongoing violence against women and asking for more respect for them at all stages of life.

It is just that I cannot understand why mostly young, fresh-faced men in the prime of life don't want to present a clean, well-groomed look.

However, a neat moustache, goatee beard or sideburn can look ok.

QUINTIN KOWITZ, Toowoomba