As somebody who is under 5’2", I am frequently asked the same questions by many people throughout the course of my day. So to make things a little easier and to help out my fellow “shawties,” here are some of those questions answered.
Are you going to be that height forever?
Unless I am just an extremely slow grower, I am going to assume that I will be this height for the rest of my life. It is quite possible that a random growth spurt could happen very soon, but it is unfortunately highly unlikely. So yes, I am going to be this short and maybe even shorter forever.
What’s life like down there?
It’s actually pretty similar to everyone else’s (SURPRISE!), but I have to say our field of vision does not stretch out that far. Unlike somebody who is tall, we are unable to see far out into the world. We can only see as far as the height on our tippy toes allows, which does make things like general admission concerts very difficult to watch.
Can you stand in the deep end of a pool?
This is usually an unfortunate no. Considering most deeper ends of pools start at five feet, we shorter people can only really stand in the shallow end. We try our best to stand in the deep end, but it usually ends up with just our forehead being seen.
Does the weather feel different?
Nope, I'm pretty sure it’s raining down here just like it’s raining up there by your head. There is no real factual evidence to this question because most of the time when it’s 70 degrees at six feet, it’s going to be 70 degrees at five feet too.
How old are you?
This applies mostly to us older short girls who are constantly being asked if we want the kid’s menu. Although the answers vary, you can bet that your original guess is usually wrong.
Are you a legal “little person?"
The Little People Of America define dwarfism to be anyone who is under 4’10" so no, I am not legally defined as a “little person,” but thank you for doubting my height. (Sorry to my under 4’10" shorties who may now have to answer yes to this question).
How tall are you?
This is the worst question of them all because if there is one thing a short person is known for, it is lying about their height. Don’t waste your time with this one since now you know that whatever number we tell you is most likely going to be a lie. Also whether we are 4’9" or 5'1", we are still going to be shorter than you, so why even bother knowing the truth?
So there it is, everything you need to know about us shorties. Don’t forget, just because you may not see us down here we are people too!
