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He's Too Short

by Benjamin Todd — December 3, 2007

I didn't realize it was such an issue. She's 5 foot 2, and he's 5 foot 5. And HE'S too short? Yep. She explained it to me matter-of-factly, surprised I didn't already know.

"Oh, I'll go grab lunch with him," she said "But it isn't going to go anywhere." How sad. Just when I was starting to feel embarrassed for my gender, the pendulum swings the other way and I'm back to just being confused. What are the height requirements? Sure, everyone knows ladies like 'em "tall, dark, and handsome." But what about our pigmy pals, the short-stacks, the Pauly Pockets? Aren't there women out there for them too? From my brief survey of women friends, apparently not.

Is our kind doomed to become a species of giants? I did some snooping and found this: The average height of an American male in 2007 is 5 feet, 9 inches* (National Center for Health Statistics). But in the 1960s, we were down around 5 foot 7. It's happening already! Wham! Darwinism, in your face. These poor short guys are destined to become the "cute friends" of women everywhere with no hope for them to pass on their slightly smaller genes. History is speaking for itself.

But mostly what concerns me most is the height requirements endorsed by women. It seems a lot like the NBA--only a few under 6 feet shall be accepted, and only because they're exceptionally gifted. It makes me think that dating sites should stop asking guys to list their heights. If you're under 5'10'' are you automatically rejected? When women set up their friends, do they list height as one of their guy friend's favorable characteristics?

My fear is that some down-on-his luck, shorter-than-average, really nice guy might come across this blog-umn and feel even worse for himself. (Good going gals, I'm not taking the blame for this one.) Is it really THAT important? Maybe I've just been in the dark about this for years; maybe it's because I'm over 6 foot.

What people are saying...

Yeah, it sucks for shorter guys. For me personally, taller men just make me feel safe. And because I'm little, they seem to like picking me up a lot. It's a win-win. I think women prefer tall men because it's been genetically ingrained--way back when, it was the taller men who could protect us from predators and such. But there are plenty of girls who like shorter guys. And really, it just boils down to chemistry and connection, which comes in many forms and usually surprises you while you're busy checking out the 6 footers.

Posted by: Maya | December 10, 2007 1:11 AM

While it causes me to feel a bit badly about myself, I, too, feel better with a man who is 4" to 6" taller than myself. I have been with someone close to my size and it made me feel like a cow.

However, I probably wouldn't be comfortable with someone over 6'2" either as it would wreck havoc on my poor old neck.

Posted by: Kris | December 13, 2007 2:29 PM

ya know Kris, my 4'11 friend just found love with a 6'5er. I'll be getting her a neckbrace for Christmas. But i continue to worry about the women who segregate against shorter guys. We all have our preferences, it just seems a little extreme to me sometimes.

Posted by: Benjamin T | December 14, 2007 12:21 AM

I am all too familar with this. Im a 40 y/o SWM about 5'5+, 145lbs. Now I do see my fair share of short guys with good looking girls out in public. I also had a run meeting 3 good looking women in a row during a short period of time; however since the last one fell through about a year ago, not one new person I have went out with has gone anywhere...they often get close, but fall through at the last second. The only comfort I have is GF#1 of the 3 whom I have been off/on with 3 years now is still in the picture. She too is short & petite at 4'11, 100lbs, is a 29 y/o cute blond. For my own confidence boost it would nice to meet someone new just so I know I can; however if things move in the right direction with my off/on GF who is due home from the military nextweek then I wouldnt care about any of the past struggles. As frustrated as I am now, I do know I have had more success then many other guys, even taller ones. Although I am below average height, aside from being in good physical shape, no gray yet, so I have been told, women consider me above average looking and no where close to my age of 40.
They do say women are attracted to power & of course money. As for the power it hasn't helped me. I wouldn't want someone who only wanted me for money...while i make a good living no i am not rich. I am less concerned with a womens looks, specifically facial features, I am not attracted to heavy women or the husky, bigboned types. Even tall thin girls really don't interest me. Height cant be changed, but weight can be. The women I am attracted, and the ones I have mostly dated are the short petite girls. My current GF is best described as short & petite. Recently I have been more encouraged with our relationship, as mentioned she is currently away serving in the us military, but in our last several phone conversations she has concluded them by telling me verbally that "she loves me". In the 3 years we have been in this relationship I don't ever re-call her telling me verbally she loved me. In letters & emails she has. I will say that means a lot to me. So I guess there is hope.

Posted by: cdjch82 | December 14, 2007 6:44 PM

Hey, moderation in all things especially when it comes to preferences.

Posted by: Kris | December 15, 2007 9:45 AM

You guys are retarted. I had just come across this page on google and what makes you think short guys have a problem. I am 5'5 and great looking. I never had a problem hooking up or dating girls up to 5'8. I dont know who this Benjamin Short guy is but this is one of the lamest articles you can write. Itdoesnt come down to girls looking for guys over 6'. The prime reason is "Good Looking" if your an ugly guy best of luck. Height has nothing to do with it. Confidence is your security.

Posted by: john | April 29, 2008 9:17 PM
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