I hate shaving.

Not because I like a beard. Quite the opposite. I prefer being clean-shaven.

I just don’t enjoy the act of shaving.

Over the years, I’ve tried negotiating with myself.

Once a month became once in 15 days.

Then once a week.

Eventually, alternate days.

Even during my corporate days, I shaved on alternate days—unless there was an important meeting or presentation.

Now that I’m retired, I’ve relaxed the schedule to twice a week… or whenever looking in the mirror becomes unavoidable.

Today, however, life presented a genuine crisis.

I hadn’t shaved for four days because I planned to do it tomorrow before a lunch.

Then another lunch invitation arrived for today.

Now I had a problem.

I didn’t want to go looking like this.

I also didn’t want to shave on consecutive days.

Some people have to choose between two job offers.

I’m negotiating with my beard.

O God…

Next time, please give me easier decisions.