“You can’t eat beauty; it doesn’t sustain you. What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion, for yourself and those around you. That kind of beauty enflames the heart and enchants the soul.”- Lupita Nyong’o
We live in a society that has forced upon us the definition of femininity. We have been told that the perfect woman is not too tall, but not too short. Her skin should be blemish free and every time she smiles we should be blinded by her bright, pearly whites. She should maintain herself by partaking in regular hair removing rituals and the hair on her head should never be out of place. Many of us defined our own beauty by these ‘standards’ for a very, very long time, and I’m here to only affirm to you that these standards are indeed *insert expletive of your choosing*
I am used to being at least a couple of inches taller than most girls I encounter being that I am about 5’6-5’7 flatfooted. According to statistics, I am pretty close to average height, but considering that elite athletes are probably factored into that equation, I’d argue that I am definitely on the taller end of the spectrum of your everyday woman.
Being tall has certainly played a role in my negative perception of my own femininity. When I put on my highest pair of heels, I am nearly 6 feet tall. I cannot count the number of times I have heard the phrase, “You’re so tall!” when I throw on my favorite pair of strappy, nude stilettos. Some men have given me sideways compliments like, “You’re beautiful, if only you were a couple inches shorter.” If I would have been the person I am now back then I would have said, “Yeah if only you were a couple inches taller.”
We altitudinous women are definitely used to the ridicule associated with being tall. The way I look at it ladies, we really have nothing to worry about because we are among some of the greats. Just to name a few statuesque women who stand taller than 5’7, there is Rihanna, Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, Selita Ebanks, Jennifer Lawrence, Blake Lively and Michelle Obama.
Remember, you are a modelesque, statuesque long-legged and beautiful woman. Do not let society tell you that you are too tall to throw on your favorite pair of feels and do not shy away from taking pictures with all of your short friends. Embrace it, because I’m certainly not the only person who thinks tall is beautiful.
