I've had a full beard since 1977
at age 20, had a moustache since
age 16.
I look VERY young without the beard.
The last time I shaved the beard, I
had just turned 26. I went to a state
store to buy a bottle of champagne to
share with my partner George over
my 26 th birthday. The man at the state
store refused to sell to me because I
did NOT look 21 to him.
" Next time, get a buddy from College
to buy this FOR you! I'm sick of you
High School kids thinking I'm so Stupid
that I'm gonna sell booze to you!"
OUCH.
Now at 46, I would NEVER shave my
beard. I am quite attached to it and
it is sooo me.
I have this fantasy that
on my 70 th birthday, I'll have
shaved the beard and gone out to buy
champagne, and the man at the liquor
store will say to me:
" Nice try, kid!! making yerself up
to look like an old guy! I'm sick of
you High School kids tryin' to pull
one over on me!! I'm calling your
parents!! "
Keep the goatee, Rob.
It really DOES help one
to look one's age!
:)