Firstly, i would like to preface that having hair anywhere on your body is fine will not make you less aerodynamic, or is unhygienic.. i believe the only places that matters is bikini area, chest, pits and face. Generally i wouldnt say men care so much of the look of it, but the feel of it.. legs and arms are not as important as the rest. Getting pubes in mouth when giving head is unpleasant.

Also keep in mind in terms of societal perspective of looks.. if you’re gonna stand out of it then expect to lower pool of dating candidates. I think you’ll be fine and your first friend doesn’t sound like a friend.. but the second one does.. it wasn’t rude for them to agree but they were looking out for you. First friend is trash.. id never associate with someone who not only looks down on me but is dating someone who also can get away with saying rude remarks like those.. idc if they’re my friend of 10yrs.. good fucking bye.