The tall girl struggle is not a fun one. I would know because I'm tall.
It all began 17 years ago on a warm, summer day. I was going to bed, as one does, and everything was normal. My bedtime was 8 p.m. and my parents came in to say goodnight and bring me a bottle of water. I woke up the next morning feeling great. I went to use the restroom, but as I was making my way there, I noticed something was different: Me. I stopped to look at myself in the mirror and my legs were longer; my pajama pants raised to above my ankles and my T-shirt didn't fit anymore. I ran to my parents screaming, "Mama! Dad! What happened to me?!" I had my first growth spurt.
Since that day, I had three more growth spurts until three years ago and now I'm at my set height of 6 ft. In first grade, I was mistaken as a fifth-grade student because of my height. I was always the tallest girl in my class. I towered over all my friends. I hated it. I hated being made fun of for my height. Boys in my classes were "scared of me." I would always slouch my shoulders because I wanted to be shorter. I just didn't want to be tall. But, my dad told me that I should be proud of my height. I should take in pride in the fact that I was a tall female. I mean, heck, he's 6'9" and played basketball, so of course he wanted me to be proud of my height. Over the years I've come to terms with my height, but there are still things I struggle with. Here are a few:
1. Everyone expects you to grab everything.
I don't mind helping people out when they can't reach certain items, but when it comes to the point of them expecting me to get stuff for them every single time, we have a problem.
2. It's a struggle just to find a nice pair of shoes.
Being tall comes with having big feet and with that comes never being able to find shoes. Sure, you can go to Ross or TJ Maxx and try to find a pair of boots for a decent price, but all of the nice shoes are in the smaller sizes. If you're looking for size 11 or 12, good luck because all they have are tennis shoes. You're best bet will be online shopping, but that's not a bad option because who doesn't love online shopping?
3. Hitting your head on things becomes a part of your daily routine.
I could never do bunk beds. I would always get the bottom bunk, so when I awakened - BOOM. There goes my head. I always hit my head on the chandelier at my house. Short doorways are my enemy. It's just not a fun time.
4. When people ask me if I play basketball... and I say "no"...
They get so disappointed! I don't understand! I'm sorry I'm not fulfilling your wishes of being a basketball player. I played in elementary if that means anything. I will admit, my dad was a little sad that I didn't become a basketball player like he was, but I love the sport with all my heart. I just decided that I was going to trade my basketball for a clarinet in 6th grade and that's the end of that.
5. Going to concerts and being front row is the best time.
I find this one so funny. I'll get in line for a concert with my friends in order for us to be front row, and then as soon as we get into the venue, I hear people complaining. "She's too tall!" "Why is she in the front?" "I can't see, someone tell her to move!" Honestly. I worked to get up to the front of the crowd and to be by the stage. Maybe you should've done the same thing. Don't ask me if I can switch spots with you just so you can see. I deserve to be up here too. Just because I'm a tall individual don't mean that I should have to stand in the back.
6. Standing in the back for pictures...why?
I want to be in the front just as much as anyone else. I can bend down? I can adjust? I just want to be like everyone else, is that so much to ask? Some of time, my face is even covered up because I'm in the back and people forget that I'm there. In the end, I just want to be able to be seen please.
7. Finding a significant other...
...is such a fun time. People sometimes say, "Ooh, you're going to find a tall one to marry right?" I look at them and I just think, "Why does the person have to be tall?" Love is love in my eyes, so why should the other person have to be taller? Because then it won't be awkward? OK? A wise friend once said: "It's only awkward if you make it awkward." I've dated people shorter than me and everything was fine. So when I find my next significant other, whether they're taller than me or shorter than me, it won't matter because I'll love them for who they are.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being tall, but it does come with some struggle, but these days, what doesn't? I'm proud of being tall, even if it is rough sometimes.
