It's good that you bring this up Tim, because it's an opportunity for further learning and inspiration.

The point of any focal length of lens is less about the size of the image in the frame than the perspective it provides. The more you can fill the frame with your subject, the shorter it must be, and with that shortness comes a compromise. The face becomes wider, the ears more visible the features more bulbous. If you want to be more intimate with your subject, shoot with a more flattering long lens but crop tighter, or get in a little closer. By getting in too tight, you’re also blocking the natural light falling on your subject, which can require artificial lighting solutions.

On the other hand (and here's why sharing your opinion provides an important “perspective”) a wider view can sometimes improve portraits in people, specifically the subject matter you’re most accustomed to shooting. If you aren't “connecting” with your subject, distance may not necessarily be the problem.