Being 6'7", I have had my fair share of stares in public. I just think it would be beneficial to give the general public some information about tall people and why they should't say things like, "Wow, you're so tall! How tall are you? Wow, do you play basketball? You would make so much money!"
1. Don't make a scene in public and then ask them how tall they are.
At least once every time I'm in public, someone gasps, "Whoa! You're so tall! How tall are you?" First off, by doing this you are drawing unnecessary attention to the person you are talking about, especially if you are loud about it. Tall folks have been asked the question "How tall are you?" countless numbers of times and, after a while, it gets quite irritating. Unless you are genuinely concerned, don't approach. It's the same as asking someone how much they weight, or how short or skinny they are. Your intentions may not be to offend, but just be cautious that it can be annoying or even rude to some people.
2. Don't ask them if their parents are tall...why?
Genetics.
3. Don't ask them where they buy their clothes.
Tall people buy their clothes at the store just like everybody else. Clearly we can't purchase the same sizes. There are stores that carry what are called Big and Tall sizes for bigger guys and then for females, plus sizes.
4. Don't get scared when you see a tall person, like Jennifer Aniston did in this interview.
Just because someone towers two feet over you does not mean that they are going to squash you like Godzilla. If you're like me, your one of the tallest people your friends will ever know, but you are also the nicest. Now, if you happen to be under some unfortunate circumstance like walking home at night and you see a tall person following you, then there is reason for concern. You can watch the actual video of her getting scared here.
5. If your wondering how tall people travel, it's all the same--tight.
Ours knees take beatings. If you're lucky, some cars have just enough leg room. We're lucky if we can get an emergency exit row seat on a plane. If we are getting into a car, it is standard that we move that seat back before sitting down.
6. Don't ask them if they play basketball.
Just because someone is tall does not mean that their only purpose in life is to play basketball or football. The chances of them playing are high, but it's not something you must ask. It's like asking every man who has a beard and glasses if he is a scientist.
7. Don't ask them to ride roller coasters with you. Their knees won't allow it.
If they're like me, they will have to say no and be sad.
8. They don't like the famous "How is the weather up there?" question.
A classic. It's not funny and we aren't meteorologists. If you ask us, we'll be tempted to step on you so it's dark and cloudy all year round with zero visibility.
9. Don't say "I wish I was tall like you."
Being tall is not always as fun as it seems. The world was not built for tall people. So often we find ourselves ducking to prevent bumps on our heads. Whenever we get into cars, moving the seat back in a car is standard and even then it's still not enough room.
10. We don't mind hugs, they're just awkward.
If you ask a tall person to hug you and you get that fake "Why is he or she at this party?" vibe, don't worry, they are probably happy to see you. The hug is just awkward. I promise we mean well, unless you ask us how tall we are.
