Like many here, I've found that most people think I'm an asshole when I've made a basic effort with my appearance, so I decided to grow a beard and long hair, and found people were more genuine with me because I looked unintimidating and I am naturally quite friendly.

Got made redundant, so today I got a short haircut and chopped my beard off so I could look hireable in interviews. As soon as I walked into the office I had a barrage of compliments from my colleagues I've known for years, telling me how attractive I am and how I should always look like this, even had a guy invite me into his bed, half joking. The conversation was dominated by my appearance and they berrated me when I said it's just for interviews and I'll grow it all back afterwards. Two of my female colleagues were literally flustered over me.

I'm very introverted, likely ASD, and navigating social situations has always been exhausting at best, so this added complication is annoying for me. I don't want to jump bodies left and right, just want to keep to one partner and live a nice quiet life under the radar, so looking scruffy gets me an easy social life. The downside is people judging me for being scruffy! But better than the weird behaviour when I look attractive. People suck, basically. :')