First Posted: 2/3/2015

Amanda Petrinka of Kingston loves a man with a beard.

“They represent a manly man; someone who can really take care of business,” Petrinka said.

According to a recent Australian study, more women equate bearded men with hotness than not.

If you’ve heard of lumbersexuals, you’ll know what we’re talking about. Facial hair on a guy is no longer considered an attribute of lazy, grimy men; it’s associated with virility, masculinity and sexiness.

“It’s a big deal to find a man who can actually, like, commit to growing a beard. It shows he can commit in a relationship,” said Kim Andrysiak of Wilkes-Barre.

Northeastern Pennsylvania is alive with men sporting facial hair – and many of them are still looking for Ms. Right this Valentine’s Day.

Here are some bearded bachelors throughout our region to tickle your fantasy.

Who knows? Look them up on Facebook and maybe they’ll be tickling more than just your imagination this Valentine’s Day!

BEARDED BACHELOR NO. 1

Name: George Mehalshik, Jr.

Age: 24

Hometown: Hazleton

Job: Self-employed

Turn-on’s: Girls with a nice smile.

Turn-off’s: Girls with short hair.

BEARDED BACHELOR NO. 2

Name: Brett Williamson

Age: 23

Hometown: Nanticoke

Job: Business owner, Ridge Street Cafe in Nanticoke

Turn-on’s: Tattoos, piercings and girls who are not afraid to fondle a beard.

Turn-off’s: Girls who are shallow, have a bad taste in music and who don’t like beards.

BEARDED BACHELOR NO. 3

Name: Luke Berti

Age: 26

Hometown: West Pittston

Job: Electrical contractor

Turn-on’s: She must have a deep affection for velociraptors. Not up for debate.

Turn-off’s: Duck-face selfies.

BEARDED BACHELOR NO. 4

Name: Jay Smith

Age: 31

Hometown: Shavertown

Job: Personal care aid.

Turn-on’s: Tattoos, piercings and gamer chicks.

Turn-off’s: Narcissism and drama.