Being tall has been considered a privilege that genetics has blessed people with for years. Although this may be the case, women often have a harder time accepting the height that they were given. Sometimes it is society that tells them that they shouldn't embrace it. Other times, it is simply the voice inside their head that tells them that they shouldn't stand out from the rest. Whatever the case may be, the time for women to own their height is now. Ladies, being tall shouldn't be shamed, but rather, celebrated.
The "tall gene" is no stranger to my family. This is an obvious statement for people who have met me over the past few years. All they have to do is take one look at me and they instantly know that I was created by other tall people. Although I tower over most of my friends now, the "tall gene" and I didn't officially meet until my freshman year of high school. Leading up to that point, I was a very short kid. Obviously I knew that I would grow at some point, but for the longest time, I was the runt of the family and I was okay with that. It wasn't until I had to look down to have a conversation with a friend that I noticed that my height was reaching for the sky and I began to grow uncomfortable.
I would like to say that I immediately loved the "tall gene" as soon as we met, but I didn't. There was a struggle between the two of us for a very long time. This was probably due to the fact that we had different end goals in mind regarding height. I would get to a point where I would be okay with being an inch taller than others; then she would bless me with two more inches. This was a back and forth game that we played all throughout high school. People would tell me how lucky I was to be tall but I never understood why they saw it as a blessing. In my eyes, being tall was okay... if you were a boy. I, on the other hand, was a girl, therefore my height made me weird. I struggled with accepting that part of me for a long time because I thought that it alienated me from others. What I now realize is that being a tall woman is a gift.
One of the biggest problems that my height forces me to face is the fitting of clothes on my body. I can't tell you how many times I have seen a romper on Pinterest that I love and can't wear because the bottoms are too short for my legs. It feels like some of the latest fashion trends only work if you are short. Clothes don't seem to fit right when we try them on. They don't look as hot as they did on the mannequin that we saw on our way in. Guess what? When we do find clothes that fit, they typically look amazing. Some outfits were built for long legs only, I promise. Think about all of those times you have seen a girl in skinny jeans walking down the street. Think about how awesome they look when they are complimenting long legs. Why do you think most fashion models are tall? It is because their height is a thing to be cherished and shown off.
Ladies, I know that tall boyfriends are a dream goal for most, which makes it that much harder for those of us who are on the taller side. We have to find someone to exceed our height by that much more than a woman who is of average height. Here is a tip for you: He doesn't have to hit his head on every ceiling that he walks through in order for you to be able to wear heels around him. For one night (or every night), let him show off his long-legged amazonian woman. Who cares if the top of your head exceeds his? Rock those pumps that you got on sale the other day. He will love your confidence.
Pictures can really suck for people of our height at times; I know that. We are the ones who are thrown in the back during every group photo. Think about it this way, if you take a picture with all tall people, then you can stand wherever you want! Of course, you shouldn't avoid pictures with short people just because you don't want to stand in the back, but it never hurts to even out the height difference every once in a while.
Victoria's Secret models and The Rockettes--both are groups of tall women who own the height that they were blessed with. Being tall shouldn't restrict you from loving your body, it should encourage you to celebrate it! Don't put your life on hold or wish it away because you wish you were a few inches shorter. Own it and flaunt the fabulousness of it. I personally embrace the "tall gene" ladies, and so should you.
