Don't talk him out of shaving. Doing a little gardening will end up being appreciated by both of you. Besides when you do garden the cabbage it changes the whole experience of ML. Believe it or not you can feel things a little deeper when shaven so GEL encourage him to do so. At first it will be a little prickly but after awhile that sensation will go away and also encourage him to drop the tightie-whities and go with some boxers. That will help too!
Good to hear that he is opening up some to you and telling you what he likes.!