This goes out to all you tall girls out there, about 5’9’’ and up.  Coming in at about 5’10’’, I’ve the endured the pain while also celebrated the perks of being a tree since third grade.

1. You feel like a giant when wearing heels.

*Crouches down in group pic to look like a normal human being* or simply *removes heels to only look a little less skyscraper-ish*. Yeah I’m that girl. Oh,the struggle is so real. It’s real because I really enjoy wearing heels (if they are comfortable enough and if I can walk in them)... so for this one I just suck it up. That’s all you can do. I just feel like a grandma in ballet flats, sorry…

2. You’re always asked to get items off of the top shelf. 

Whether it’s people I know, or complete strangers, I’ve been asked numerous times to help someone reach an article of clothing or accessory because it was out of their reach. So, I guess you could say that being tall allows you to conquer a good deed, which means good karma, right? 

3. You’re mistaken for a mother. 

Okay,since when does height depict whether you are a mother or not??? I don’t know either and needless to say I have been wondering for about 10 years now. I have a short and sweet story in case you are confused. One day, at the mall, my friend and I  were racing up the steps. Let me remind you we are in about, let’s say fourth to seventh grade… I beat my friend up the steps, and an oh so friendly, janitor proclaims, “So you beat your daughter up the steps!!”. My reaction *enter shocked face emojis here*, “ No…”, he replies, “Sisters??”, I say, “No…just friends” and out the door I flew. I mean I knew I was a little chubbster in middle school but goodness gracious did it look like I was bearing a child or something? Or did my height make me look old? It will remain a mystery to me forever. 

4. People tell you that you should be a model. 

L-O-L people. My dad called me “Grace” when I was younger, not because it was my name or middle name, but it was short for graceful, which is a trait I did not, and still do not encompass. So picturing myself on a runway, or modeling, when people approach me saying, “Oh my Caroline, you should really model!!”, I cannot help but respond with laughter. 

5. Getting asked if you played basketball or volleyball in middle school and high school (or if you play in college)

Maybe I did play basketball and volleyball all my life, but I also played other sports too like tennis and soccer.

6. Finding a tall guy to date.

I lost hope. My boyfriend is exactly my height, but when I wear heals he is my “shawty”. Sorry I had to say it.

7. Your friends dresses are shirts for you.

Normal tops are crop tops and dresses are shirts. It’s always fun having a friend that is your height or size that you can mutually share closets with at school. But alas, those tall species, are sometimes rare and unusual.

8. Your feet are skis. 

Maybe not every tall person has large feet, however I am a whopping size 10, I like to call my precious feet skis. Not to mention, my running shoes are a size 11… so ya, big foot could have been a runner. 

9. Having to go a size up to have some extra length in jeans, a dress, or skirt.

The struggle between having closet items that fit perfectly in the waist or sit at the right length, has been a struggle for me since about 5th grade… Shout out to those brands who have long and extra long options in jeans, I no longer have to struggle with looking like I am preparing for a flood when wearing jeans, and for that I thank you.

10. People ask what my career/ where I am working now that I am out of college… 

In my head: “Well this is awkward... I still have few years of college, some internships and whatnot before I start my career.” *sheesh do I really look that old* What I say: “I’m still in school studying integrated marketing communications (blah, blah, blah.)

11. My favorite: Not getting carded 

Like I said, some people that are tall, look older. This comes in handy when ordering an alcoholic beverage or buying a little something something at the liquor store. Short or tall… not getting carded makes you feel like a bad@$$ and you know it. 

12. Being in the back for pictures…always.

What if I want to be the shining star in front? Nope, never, unless you’re willing to “sorority squat” in row one or two. Being apart of the fourth or fifth row in a group picture has been a “thing” as long as I can remember. 

Although being tall sometimes completely blows. I wouldn’t say being shorter has that many benefits either… so we are all just kinda screwed here. No matter if you’re tall or short, love your height and t’werk it.