Post a picture, please. We all want to see what your girlfriend created for you!
Hahaha! I'm sorry to pick on your phobia. Heavens know I have read a few things in my personal life which have scarred me too. But the way you said it, I think everyone thought, "Fecal matter in beards??? Wha???"
Also, as a former healthcare professional, I can tell you that e-coli gets everywhere you touch. Not just beards. That's why it's super important to wash your hands after you use the restroom and never touch your face if you can help it.
As far as your personal likes and dislikes regarding facial hair, all power to you. For every one of us who wears a beard, there's someone who shaves.
