natemic wrote:
Most importantly, congrats on quitting smoking.

Your beard is very fitting. The style is very well suited for you and it looks great. Ironically, you talk about your "weak side" and "strong side" and I would've thought the opposite judging from the pictures, which shows you how much you are your own biggest critic.


As far as your female colleague's "negative" comments...I think you handled that quite nicely image
 

+1 on each count and very well said, particularly with respect to the weak/strong side comment. 

On the trim, I think we're all torn between playing to our strengths, which your trim does quite well, and the drive to just let nature take it's course and grow as long and free as possible.  As you said yourself, growing a beard does put our control issues to the test!  In your case, the trim really does enhance your beard's appearance and gives you a very suave, sharp look.  It suits you well, IMHO.

Tom


Some helpful links:
Library Central of Beard Growing


Taming the Wild Mustache
Tips for eating and drinking with a big mustache

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit. ~ W. Somerset Maugham
A jerk with a beard is just a bearded jerk, but a bearded gentleman is awesomeness personified. ~ Triibeard