I came into the world without a goatee and mustache. Surprise, surprise.
But sometime after I got married, I decided to give the goatee and mustache a try. It must have been around 1992, I believe.
As it turned out, my wife really liked it. So I decided to keep it, rarely shaving it off over the years only to grow it back again.
But times have changed…
A couple months so ago, I decided to shave my face. Perhaps it was signifying a new beginning for me. Or perhaps I just wanted a new look. I\’m really not sure why I did it. It just seemed like it was time.
To my surprise, my wife said that she liked the change.
I had to confess. So did I.
It was fun going to a conference and watching people do double-takes when they saw me without the goatee.
And the comments related to this new look have been very amusing as well.
It seems like the majority like me better without the facial hair, though there are a few detractors who think I should have kept it.
So what are people saying about the new look?
Three things…
1) I look younger (thank you!)
2) I look slimmer (I\’m not, but thank you again!)
3) I look more trustworthy.
You know, I\’ve read for years that the perception of people with facial hair is that they might be trying to \”hide something\”.
I don\’t believe this is an accurate assessment because I am the same person with or without facial hair.
Nevertheless, public perception is that I am somehow more honest.
So what do you think?
Do you agree that my new look is for the best?
Would you rather see me with the goatee?
Could you care less?
Let me know your thoughts about the new (and I think improved) Joel!