Women (or humans for that matter) come in all shapes and sizes. When you’re taller than the United States average of 5’5”, you’re considered on the taller side. If you’re taller than 5’9 (which only makes up about 5% of the female population in America) you’re considered a giant. Just as with everything else in life, there are benefits to being tall and downsides. Being tall includes:
1. Having a hard time finding clothes that fit.
Imagine this: You’re out shopping and you find the cutest t-shirt. Yet, when you go to try it on, it becomes a crop top.
No, clothes aren’t THAT much shorter on a tall girl even if it at times may feel that way. Worst case scenario you find an article of clothing that is too short or the sleeves just aren’t long enough. Either way, it can be both a pain and something that upsets you. Don’t fret too much, there are plenty other articles of clothing in the sea.
2. Having to do that awkward “crouch” in photos.
Who doesn’t like a group photo? Especially after you just completed an accomplishment you guys (or gals) have worked hard to achieve? Well, if you’re a considerable amount taller than most in your group then you’re going to end up having to crouch down. It’s both annoying and feels awkward. Not to mention, it can look really awkward. See?
3. Feeling bad for those behind you.
Whether it is in a theater, at a concert, or just sitting in class, part of you feels bad for those behind you. Even if you don’t consciously think about it, watch your body language. You’re going to be slouching more or doing anything, really, to appear shorter.
4. Always being in the back.
If you’re an empathetic person then this one really hits home for you. Being constantly taller than those around you can, over time, change your behavior. I automatically sit/stand more towards the back. It’s just something that comes with being as tall as you are unless you’re surrounded by guys your height or taller, but that's a different story
5. Never being able to wear heels.
Heels are nice, but when you’re like me and you’re over 6’ in heels, you start to feel self-conscious. Yeah, you feel like a runway model when no one is around, but the moment you start surrounding yourself with people, you start feeling like more of a giant -- especially if you’re already several inches taller than your closest friends WITHOUT heels. Tall girls have been forced to choose flats over heels way too often.
6. Constantly hugging your legs.
This one is most apparent when you are sitting in the backseat of a car. Your knees come towards your chest, practically up to your chin. It's annoying and uncomfortable, so yell out "shotgun!" as soon as possible.
7. Always being asked to reach things on the top shelf.
Be prepared to constantly reach things that others can’t. Yes, you may love helping others, especially those you care about, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find being constantly asked a tad bit annoying. Sometimes you’ll wonder if people solely keep you around just to reach things for them, but we all know that’s not true. Hey, look at it this way, you don’t need anyone’s help to reach things! Plus, you can keep all your favorite snacks up there -- safe from anyone else’s reach.
8. Feeling like a giant.
If the previous points didn’t drill this into your mind one way or another… But seriously, no matter if you’re super skinny or not, being a lot taller than those around you can make you feel out of place. You’ll feel like some freak of nature, but just know that you’re beautiful, just the way you are (even Bruno Mars agrees).
9. Being asked if you play(ed) *insert sport here*.
Prepare to get asked after meeting new people, unless they themselves are tall and know that being asked this question is a nuisance. So far I’ve gotten volleyball, tennis, and the most popular one being basketball. First of all, I would just like to say that I played the first three, not that it matters. However, I played them because I enjoyed them and my height gave me no advantage over the other players. Being good at playing a sport depends on skill and hours of practice, not height. Play whatever sport you want and know you’re not limited to sports that are for “tall” people. Surprise people by saying something like, “No, I never played that, but I did play chess.” Anything to prove that not all tall people play the same sports.
10. Having a smaller dating pool.
Let’s face it, guys like shorter girls. Not all of them, no, but a great majority do. Even if you’re already an inch or two shorter than a guy, he may only be interested in girls who are over 5 inches shorter. When it isn’t based on personal preference, it’s based on the societal standard that girls should be a great amount shorter and overall smaller than guys which isn’t true. Love comes in all shapes and sizes and if someone doesn’t want to be with you just because of your height then they’re not worth it in the first place.
You’re stuck with your height for the rest of your life and there is nothing you can do about it except love and accept it. Whenever you feel down on your height, just keep this in mind -- most models are 5’9”-5’10” or even taller. You’re beautiful, girl!
