On Sunday I shaved off my beard. It was required to help a friend with a technical run through for a project he is working on and I volunteered to help with. The test is done and I’m already growing the beard back.
I think it makes me look younger. These photos especially make me look younger because the glare from my monitor hides the wrinkles and bags under my eyes.
I have a chin. Who knew?
The reaction has been rather entertaining. People either don’t recognize me or look at me as I’ve been horribly disfigured. One friend wrote that if he found that his boyfriend had shaved down to a handlebar mustache, he would have to reconsider the relationship. That’s a bit extreme, but some people expressed their disapproval (online) quite clearly. It is interesting how passionate some guys appear to be about beards.
Still, several people liked it. One guy wrote “I like the white trash look. I’d bend over for you.”
The chin is visible for the first time since 1995.
Other reactions:
“ay que rico!!!”
“You look like a baby!”
“so scary :(”
“Grow it back!!”
“I’m thinkin’ it looks pretty hunky-dunky. Maybe it’s a Texas thang…”
“that stache has a damn hot white trash appeal to it ”
“I’m a beard guy…grow it back!”
“muy bieee-eeen ;)”
“*shwing!*”
“WHAT??? You still look hot, but I miss it already!”
“Umm, where is The Rob I know and what did you DO to him?”
“Uh, WHY???”
“Rob, definately keep the beard/grow it back”
“Yeah, you do have a nice chin. You know me Rob, I’m a Beardo and would normally have started crying when I saw this pic, so you know I mean it. ”
While I kind of like the new look, I’m not going to keep it. The stubble has already appeared and I expect by this weekend the beard will be back, if still short. I don’t like feeling the air against my chin and cheeks, especially when it is cold and damp out, and most importantly, Fuad misses the beard.
I’m a sucker for any neat facial hair. I like the change, but you’re the one who has to wear it, so it’s up to you. Oh, and I like the chin!!
Oh lord, yeah, you’d fit right in somewhere called back water alabama. You’d give larry the cable guy a run for his money in the looks dept. Locals of SF probably think you’re a tourist now. When did you say you get out of jail? Ok, just put a plain white tank on and the look’s complete. To be kind I’d say it’s a rather simple look. Fun to see the temporary change-thanks for sharing the pics.
“I’m thinkin’ it looks pretty hunky-dunky. Maybe it’s a Texas thang…”
Sound like something Moby would say. It really does make you look young.
I’m a Rob man. I’ll take you with or without beard. Hi again.
If Fuad misses the beard, you definitely should grow it back then!
I remember first seeing pictures of you without facial hair a long time ago. (On another site) You were handsome then, and you are still handsome now.
you have a nice chin, i read your post about Arabic(i know its last year, but i havent checked your blog for a while), well Semitic languages do have these sounds (like 3ayn ) the funny thing is that i was telling my friend the same thing about 3ayn and P , he’s american too
i read that you are planning to go to the middle east , well that`ll be nice i can help you if you are going to Syria or UAE.