Let's take a trip back in time to about 10 years ago. The year was 2015, and a bombshell report dropped from Albuquerque's Action7, a local affiliate of ABC, revealing that men's beards contained particles of fecal matter. The curious journalist found men who didn't mind getting their beards swabbed for scientific purposes, and went to work. After taking samples, they were analyzed by John Golobic, a microbiologist at Quest Diagnostics. He found the results surprising. While, admittedly, Golobic did not find anything abnormal in some of the beards, it was the other beard swabs that made headlines across the country. At the time, he told the news station that the abnormal beard swabs were the kind of results you'd expect from a toilet seat, not facial hair. "Those are the types of things you'd find in (fecal matter)," he explained to Action7 in 2015. But was his assessment wrong? In the years since the findings were released, there have been a plethora of grooming products overflowing retailer shelves geared towards facial hair. Before the findings, the most common grooming items for facial hair were the same items used by our parents, grandparents, and generations before them: shaving cream, razors, and aftershave. Straightforward stuff that all smelled nostalgically similar. Scientist analyzing petri dish in laboratory.Photo credit: CanvaOver the past decade, the facial grooming selection has exploded to include different types of beard oils for different hair types, butters, creams, styling gels, and a whole collection of soaps specifically for facial hair. When the pendulum swung, it swung violently in the other direction, which likely led some men to feel like their facial hair isn't getting clean with regular soap. To make matters worse for those who enjoy rocking a beard and mustache, the fecal matter "discovery" never quite died, leaving people wondering if they've got poop in their beard.Rest assured, unless you're into some interesting behaviors that involve poo being close to your face, chances are extremely slim that there's poop hanging around your beard. That's not to say the swabs were incorrectly identifying the bacteria found in the beards swabbed; doctors are saying there's more to the science. Stylish duo in pastel and gray outfits posing confidently.Photo credit: CanvaJeffrey Benabio, M.D., Physician Director of Healthcare Transformation at Kaiser Permanente tells Men's Health, "Although there is a high ick factor here, it's not any cause for alarm. The beards didn’t actually contain fecal matter. They just contained the same bacteria that could be found in fecal matter—probably E coli.”A few years after the initial articles debunking the new myth about poo in men's beards, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Dermatology wrote about the topic to reassure those still worried about beard cleanliness. Beard trimmed for a fresh look.Photo credit: Canva"There is no significant evidence to suggest that most beards are unclean or a significant source of harmful bacteria," UPMC shares before later adding, "Some of the bacteria in the beard study are comparable to bacteria commonly found in toilets and in human feces. Gross, right? Here’s the thing: Those same bacteria can be found on dozens of other surfaces you touch each day, and they usually pose no harm to you. In fact, trillions of bacteria live on or in our bodies without threatening our health."While the "study" is still cited by some and the beard grooming business is raking in poop-free dough, there is no poop in men's beards. The only thing hiding in the forest of facial hair is normal everyday bacteria found on surfaces everywhere, and a chin. That's it. That's all. Let's put the beard poop myth to rest.

If you want to send most introverts running for the hills, all you have to do is mention the word "networking." The term immediately conjures images of large rooms full of people mingling, making small talk and selling themselves, all of which is nightmare fuel for those of us who thrive on intimate spaces with close friends and plenty of time alone. The entire concept of networking may seem custom suited to social butterflies, therefore giving them an advantage in the professional world, but introverts need not give up on the idea altogether. Introverts are not inherently bad at networking; in fact, when they play to their strengths, introverts can make the best networkers. @graceforpersonalityhires When they’re good, they’re damn good. #corporatetiktok #corporatelife #softskills #introvert #introvertsbelike #genzatwork Think quality, not quantityThe idea of milling around a big room of people, meeting as many potential connections as possible, is anathema to an introvert's nature. Give yourself permission to not even try to do that. Make it a goal to talk to three people and three people only."Rather than expending your energy talking to as many people as possible, play to your strengths and aim to forge strong bonds with a smaller group of people," suggests EHL Graduate School. Making three solid connections is far more doable for introverts than collecting as many business cards and contacts as possible. Lean into listening and empathyMost introverts have key people skills that may not be as flashy as charm and charisma, but ultimately lead to stronger connections. Usually, introverts are excellent listeners, and combined with empathy, that skill is incredibly valuable in networking. After all, what is networking but relationship-building, and what is better for relationship-building than stellar listening and empathy skills? Introverts tend to be good at listening and empathy.Photo credit: CanvaArrive early and leave earlyEHL Graduate School suggests introverts arrive at networking events early, when there are fewer people there, and leave early before their social battery runs out. If you're going with the "get to know three people" approach, there's no harm in leaving early. Own the follow-upGrace McCarrick, who speaks on workplace soft skills, shared one of the strengths she sees in introverts: "An introvert is the kind of person who will meet you at an event, not really say too much, then follow up with an email or a Linkedin message and say, 'Great to meet you. Here's an article on this thing we were talking about.' I'm sorry, that is elite. That is elite level." A lot of introverts struggle with networking.Photo credit: CanvaPractice a few key social skills ahead of timeSometimes introversion gets conflated with shyness or social anxiety, but regardless of how these things might overlap, practicing a few key skills can help anyone feel more confident going into a socializing situation. If you struggle with starting conversations, prepare a few conversation starters ahead of time. If you don't know how to leave a conversation, practice some key phrases for ducking out. If nervousness is your nemesis, learn some confident body language tricks to get over (or at least cover up) your imposter syndrome. Ditch 'events' altogether and focus on one-on-onesNetworking doesn't have to involve going to events or gatherings and overtaxing yourself socially. At its core, networking is just connecting with people, and you can just as easily do that with one-on-one meetings, lunches, or coffee dates. Seek out people you want to make connections with online and reach out personally. That might still be a bit nerve-racking, but for introverts it's often a better tack to take than torturing yourself with big events with too many people. One-on-one networking is preferable for introverts.Photo credit: CanvaIntroverts aren't inherently bad at networking. In fact, there's an argument to be made that introverts make the best networkers in the long run, as they tend to make deeper than surface-level connections and excel at relationship-building.

Dogs are arguably the most loyal pets. Besides being goofy and always a reliable source of entertainment, dogs are the ultimate companions. But did you know certain dog breeds form deeper, stronger emotional ties to their owners than others?"Like people, dogs are individuals with their own unique temperaments and personalities," Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, tells Upworthy. "There are certain breeds known to bond especially deeply with their owners, many of which have a history of working closely and cooperatively with people."She explains that strong emotional bonds are also influenced not only by breed, but by other factors such as early life experiences, socialization, training, age, and health status. - YouTube www.youtube.com Dr. Cahn adds that there are definite signs that your dog is strongly bonded to you. "Regardless of breed, signs that you and your dog have a strong bond include seeking out attention, play, and physical contact, relaxed body language in your presence, frequently checking in with you, and going to you for comfort," she says.The following are five dog breeds that typically build the strongest emotional bond with their owners. barkpost GIF Giphy Golden RetrieverAccording to Dr. Cahn, Golden Retrievers are "famously gentle and loyal, known for their joyful and boisterous playfulness and affection. Goldens were bred as hunting dogs, are highly intelligent, and have a strong desire to please. Their natural friendliness and outgoing personalities make them excellent family pets. Many Goldens demonstrate tight bonds through gentle eye contact, bringing toys to initiate play, and following their owners from room to room."Labrador RetrieverLabs are another breed that are known to form strong emotional bonds with their owners."Bred as versatile working dogs, Labs are intelligent and easy to train (highly motivated by both food and human affection). Their playful and outgoing personality means they usually get along well with children and other animals, and they enjoy an active lifestyle by their owner’s side," says Dr. Cahn. "They show their bond through constant tail-wagging, leaning against their owners, and eagerness to participate in any activity together. Labs are often prone to obesity and joint issues, so regular veterinary care and portion control are important."VizslaIf you own a Vizsla, this will not be a surprise to you."Vizslas are often nicknamed 'Velcro dogs' because their deep bond and attachment to their human family members cause them to stick close," Dr. Cahn explains. "They were originally bred for falconry and love working closely with humans, a trait that has translated into a desire for constant companionship. These highly affectionate dogs also require extensive physical exercise and mental stimulation, and can be prone to separation anxiety." @drkatrinawarren Velcro Dogs - a dog can be clingy for lots of reasons eg.lack of socialisation, anxiety, a traumatic or learnt behaviour but some dog breeds are more likely to be ‘velcro dogs’ #velcrodogs #dogbreeds #cockerspaniel Cavalier King Charles SpanielWith such a lovable face, it's no wonder that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known to be tight with its owners."Bred over centuries to be the ultimate companion dog, these sweethearts are bright, affectionate, and curious. They can thrive in just about any environment as long as they receive plenty of love and attention," Dr. Cahn notes. "Cavaliers form exceptionally close attachments and love to cuddle, rest their head on their owner’s lap, and maintain eye contact. Their gentle temperament and eager-to-please attitude make them deeply attuned to their person’s emotions."She also adds that finding a reputable breeder is critical due to their predisposition to a heart condition affecting the mitral valve, as well as a neurological condition called syringomyelia.Cocker SpanielAccording to Dr. Cahn, both English and American Cocker Spaniels are gentle and happy dogs. "They have a long history of working closely with human partners and thrive on love and attention," she says. "Cockers often express their bond by wagging their entire body, shadowing their owners around the house, and greeting them enthusiastically. Keep an eye out for symptoms of ear infections, which are common due to their long, floppy ears."

Knowing how to start a conversation in a new social or professional setting can be difficult. Small talk can quickly become dull and uncomfortable. Whether you're returning to work in the office or trying to make new friends in a new city, it can help to have a few conversation starters prepared. The key to engaging people is to start with open-ended questions."The best format for conversation starters is to use an open-ended question that allows the other person to speak openly and freely in a casual and comfortable way," Amy Arias, M.A., senior lecturer of communications studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, tells Upworthy. - YouTube www.youtube.com Looking for unique conversation starters that will draw people in? Here are 10 questions to get the conversation going:"What’s giving you energy right now?""This question prompts people to move from surface-level small talk to a genuine connection," leadership strategist and executive coach Stacy McCracken, founder & CEO of Impact and Lead, tells Upworthy. "It invites the other person to share. It’s present, personal, and lets you see what’s fueling them—whether that’s a project, a person, or a long-overdue break. It works because it’s about emotion, not status.""What's the story behind your name?""This one usually gets people immediately to connect and share," public speaking expert LaQuita Cleare, founder & CEO at Clear Communication Academy, tells Upworthy. "It allows you to learn a little bit more about the person, the family, and the culture. It's a quick and meaningful way for people to let their guards down and simply tell you a story.""What’s something your younger self would be proud you’re doing now?""I personally love this question, and even ask it to my clients all the time," Cheryl Groskopf, LMFT, LPCC, an anxiety, trauma, and attachment therapist in Los Angeles, tells Upworthy. "This kind of question lights up the inner child and the present-day self, which makes it emotionally rich. It also tends to lead into the stuff people don’t usually talk about first: healing, change, confidence, effort.""What’s something fun (show, hobby, or place you discovered) that you’ve been enjoying lately?""This open-ended question gives people multiple ways to connect (entertainment, activities, experiences), making it easy and low-pressure to engage," Arias notes. "It also naturally leads to follow-up questions and shared stories.""If you could plan your perfect weekend, what would it look like?""It invites the person to share personal preferences and values (adventure vs. relaxation, social vs. solo time) while keeping the tone warm and imaginative," Arias explains. "It encourages playful conversation and creates space for finding compatibility and shared interests. It's worth noting that an effective conversation starter in a romantic context is often not, in nature, romantic." @kiersay Replying to @Jordan Di487 QUESTIONS FOR BETTER CONVERSATION (part 4) #conversationstarters #questionoftheday #questionsforcouples #ditchthesmalltalk "What's your favorite place to spend your downtime?""This tells you a lot about a person and is a nice intro question that does not pry too much," Cleare shares. "This is also a great one to find common ground, which is what you want to keep the conversation going.""What’s something that’s caught your curiosity lately?""I love this one because curiosity is the spark of every great conversation," adds McCracken. "It opens space for people to share what’s lighting them up—a topic, a hobby, or even a random fact. Curiosity connects people faster than credentials ever will.""What’s something you wish more people asked you about?""Everyone has a part of their life they love but no one ever brings up, like a weird skill, a quiet win, a topic they never get to share," Groskopf shares. "This question lets people steer the conversation toward something that ACTUALLY excites them. It’s casual, but opens a door you normally wouldn’t walk through." See on Instagram "What do you love about your job?""This one is always fun because if they love their job, their eyes light up and they start telling your stories and if they hate their job, that also brings a fun moment and an eye roll," says Cleare."What’s surprised you lately?""This one always brings out thoughtful, funny, or even vulnerable stories," McCracken says. "It nudges people to reflect—and reflection is where real connection happens. It’s the perfect balance of light and meaningful."

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from Candace Show Podcast: TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

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from Sarah Westall: TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

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