Does height matter anymore?

[lionsprey]

of course it matters. a tall person doesn't need a chair to reach stuff.
when it comes to dating i noticed most online dating profiles seems to have a height requirement.
that said i would totally like to try and date a woman taller then me. however as i'm about 2M i suspect its quite unlikely.

 

[Julius Terrell]

Guess I'll add my 2 cents into this thread. 5'3"(?? in the metric system) is my height!!! Never thought about my height at all for most of my life. I never knew I was short. I'm no virgin by a long shot, BUT once I realized it Pandora's box couldn't be closed back up. Everyday deep down in my heart I feel sad and depressed because of it. On the outside, I'm a cheerful and outgoing person.

As a short guy I feel that taller people don't really respect me. I literally have to have to chase people down to get them to acknowledge my presence. I've had times where I was with taller friends and I was OVERLOOKED like how an adult might not pay attention to a child. I've had taller people ask me how I could be so short. I mean how am I supposed to feel when the whole world literally looks down at you. I've seen people shorter than me and dwarves, but they get brownie points and sympathy for being that short.

As far as women are concerned, I'm practically invisible to most of them. I have to chase them down to get their attention, and even then, it doesn't get any easier knowing that I'm the opposite of what women want.

I try hard with women, because you'll die alone "waiting for the right one". Why do women give such stupid advice? Despite being fitter than most people being an endurance athlete that doesn't compete with tall,dark and handsome. So as a guy I feel like the game of life was rigged for me from the start. Again I end up being one of the shortest people responding to threads like this. Goes to show you that men my height exist and that we face A LOT. So I'm more than qualified to say that height does matter. None of you tall people understand what short guys have to endure anymore than I can understand what a fat person as to go through.

 

[Souther Thorn]

The only way I've found it matters is I loath low door jams.

 

[jklinders]

It matters to some people, not to others. There is really no or very little accounting for preference in physical characteristics.

My fiance is rather fond of the fact that I am both bigger and taller than her. I don't see that as a bad thing. I rather like her curves.

Liking someone over physical characteristics is not a bad thing. treating people shitty over them is.

 

[Gray-Philosophy]

To me, it doesn't really matter too much. I probably have a tendency to prefer women slightly shorter than myself when it comes to relationships, but that's more a matter of height compatibility so to speak. It wouldn't exclude me from being able to fall for a woman taller than myself.

For friends, most people are taller than me anyway, since I'm pretty short (about 5'4). But it really doesn't affect me the slightest.

I'd argue height does matter in certain contexts though. On a psychological level, taller people usually have an advantage in being imposing or authoritarian. That's why there's a minimum height requirement for being a police officer (in Denmark at least), simply because you need to be able to express authority. As well as be able to wrestle down a reluctant criminal without being tossed around like an officer ragdoll.

Other than that, I guess there's only the various physical advantages/disadvantages in being able to reach the top shelf or being able to walk through a doorway without ducking.

 

[Parasondox]

Guess I'll add my 2 cents into this thread. 5'3"(?? in the metric system) is my height!!! Never thought about my height at all for most of my life. I never knew I was short. I'm no virgin by a long shot, BUT once I realized it Pandora's box couldn't be closed back up. Everyday deep down in my heart I feel sad and depressed because of it. On the outside, I'm a cheerful and outgoing person.

As a short guy I feel that taller people don't really respect me. I literally have to have to chase people down to get them to acknowledge my presence. I've had times where I was with taller friends and I was OVERLOOKED like how an adult might not pay attention to a child. I've had taller people ask me how I could be so short. I mean how am I supposed to feel when the whole world literally looks down at you. I've seen people shorter than me and dwarves, but they get brownie points and sympathy for being that short.

As far as women are concerned, I'm practically invisible to most of them. I have to chase them down to get their attention, and even then, it doesn't get any easier knowing that I'm the opposite of what women want.

I try hard with women, because you'll die alone "waiting for the right one". Why do women give such stupid advice? Despite being fitter than most people being an endurance athlete that doesn't compete with tall,dark and handsome. So as a guy I feel like the game of life was rigged for me from the start. Again I end up being one of the shortest people responding to threads like this. Goes to show you that men my height exist and that we face A LOT. So I'm more than qualified to say that height does matter. None of you tall people understand what short guys have to endure anymore than I can understand what a fat person as to go through.

Honestly mate, just be yourself and the right lady will come along. Its when you stop looking, you mean notice certain people around you may have had some feelings for you. Just don't rush it and natural. I'm no looker myself (tall rugby type I am) but saying that, not all women go for looks. They mostly go for confidence and someone who is true to themselves and not pretending to be another person. Take your time and don't feel the pressure from other people into getting into a relationship so quickly.

When you get older, looks aren't always the most important thing when looking for a partner.

 

[Zhukov]

Yeah, at least a bit.

I mean, I'd generally rather be the tallest person in the room than the shortest. I'm a comfortable 6'1"/185cm and of solid build so I've never really had to worry about it.

I do feel that some people overstate the importance of height. It really isn't some kind of instant respect voucher/sex ticket. But maybe that's like white people saying racism isn't a thing or wealthy people saying that money isn't important. Maybe if I were to wake up tomorrow six inches shorter I'd suddenly notice the difference.

I don't personally factor height into attraction. I've been attracted to tiny women and I've been attracted to tall women and everything in between. I would feel a bit funny going out with a woman significantly taller than myself, given that the general expectation is for things to be the other way around, but I would happily laugh it off. I was once hopelessly taken with a lass who was at least 6'3" (no, nothing happened, she already had someone) so it certainly wouldn't even come close to being a dealbreaker. However it's never actually come up.

...

[snip]

You know, I see you post something to this effect every time the subject comes up. I always want to say something but don't because I may just lack the perspective, so to speak.

But mate, really, by your own description you're friendly, outgoing, fit, healthy and "no virgin by a long shot", so women are demonstrably willing to sleep with you, shortness be damned.

That's really not such a bad place to be. Plenty of guys have to make do with a whole lot less.

I'm so tall that if I put that restriction on things my chances of meeting anyone become so minuscule I might as well give up.

It's a challenge even finding a guy the same height as me, let alone one that's taller.

Given that situation, what difference does it make to me if I have to date a 'tall' guy (who is probably still shorter than me unless he's really, freakishly tall), or a 'short' one?

Okay, now I'm curious. Dare I ask exactly how tall you actually are?

("None of your business you nosy sod", is of course a perfectly valid answer.)

 

[CrystalShadow]

I'm so tall that if I put that restriction on things my chances of meeting anyone become so minuscule I might as well give up.

It's a challenge even finding a guy the same height as me, let alone one that's taller.

Given that situation, what difference does it make to me if I have to date a 'tall' guy (who is probably still shorter than me unless he's really, freakishly tall), or a 'short' one?

Okay, now I'm curious. Dare I ask exactly how tall you actually are?

("None of your business you nosy sod", is of course a perfectly valid answer.)

Well, yeah... It really isn't any of your business, but... I don't mind that much really...

I'm 187 cm (or 6'2"). I mean, there's a reasonable number of guys my height, but it starts to become very slim pickings indeed if I actually try and find someone taller than me...

 

[Zhukov]

I'm so tall that if I put that restriction on things my chances of meeting anyone become so minuscule I might as well give up.

It's a challenge even finding a guy the same height as me, let alone one that's taller.

Given that situation, what difference does it make to me if I have to date a 'tall' guy (who is probably still shorter than me unless he's really, freakishly tall), or a 'short' one?

Okay, now I'm curious. Dare I ask exactly how tall you actually are?

("None of your business you nosy sod", is of course a perfectly valid answer.)

Well, yeah... It really isn't any of your business, but... I don't mind that much really...

I'm 187 cm (or 6'2"). I mean, there's a reasonable number of guys my height, but it starts to become very slim pickings indeed if I actually try and find someone taller than me...

Ah, thank you for indulging my curiosity.

 

[Lil devils x_v1legacy]

Yes, height does matter I think for some. I am petite and I do not like to date guys too tall or too short, but at comfortable kissable height and suitable for good sex positions. Sex with a really tall guy is awkward as well as with a short guy, so I like a man that is " just right" , and have tended to avoid major height differences after awkward experiences with tall guys. Since I am short to begin with I have never dated a guy shorter than me. HAHA! A man within a foot taller than me is good, more than that.. no way it gets weird in bed.

 

[Nailzzz]

In my experience women are like amusement park rides and men are like elevators. Women have a height requirement and men have a weight limit. I'm only about 5'8" typically(thanks to a birth defect in my back it can vary between 5'6" and 6' on some off days). From what I have seen however, while men certainly find tall women no less attractive than short women, they do often find them less approachable. It's the interesting thing about women in heels. The heels do tend to accentuate some of the more attractive female features which helps with their attractiveness, but it also makes them taller and a bit harder for most men to approach. I know a lot of women who wear heels or platforms in order to get hit on a bit less than usual in clubs and it passively helps them weed out men with less self-esteem since they tend to find confident men more attractive. But this is all very general stuff.

 

[JUMBO PALACE]

My experience as a moderately tall (6'1 ft, or 185 cm) and heavy (230 lbs, or 104 kg) is that most people are terrified of me. And I'm not entirely sure why. Are people just naturally scared of bigger people?

I have a similar experience. I'm 6'2 and 210. My weight is predominantly muscle so when a lot of people see a tall guy with big arms and an eyebrow piercing they tend to keep their distance. There's some serious book cover judging going on but that just makes them all the more happy when they found out what a nice dude I am.

OT: Yeah I think size matters still. Personally, I love being tall and all of the girls/women I've been with are attractive to how much taller I am than them. Tallest girl I ever dated was 5'9 so definitely taller than average. I liked it but I prefer shorter ladies. Easier to toss around.

 

[Ten Foot Bunny]

You're height was not what they expected while you were sitting down and most men instinctually prefer shorter women, which ties into women preferring taller men.

Don't confuse a moments shock with prejudice.

Oh, I never said it was prejudice and I'm sorry if I gave that impression. I only meant what I said in the context of how I said it: guys sometimes have awkward reactions when unexpectedly confronted by a tall girl. Nothing more, nothing less, nothing to read into.

Besides, I don't give a rat's ass what guys think about my height. They don't have a chance with me anyway.

 

[Eddie the head]

As a 6' gal, I'm so glad that lesbian dating doesn't really have these issues.

If you're 6 foot your username is misleading. =)

On topic. I do remember reading that on average women prefer men that are taller then them, and men prefer women shorter then them. So I guess it matters. I'm average height for a guy in the U.S so most woman are shorter then me so I've never really noticed.

 

[kurupt87]

I'm 6'6" and I like shorter women. Lucky really, imagine if I didn't!

But seriously, probably 5'4" to 5'8" is my ideal lady size.

And short man syndrome certainly exists. Every single man that has been unnecessarily angry or picked a fight has been shorter than me! Weird but true!

 

[KyuubiNoKitsune-Hime]

Being tiny like I am, 5'2"-5'4", because apparently even doctor's measurements can't agree on me, is rather a bit of a pain in the rear. Being short as I am makes it hard to reach things on high up shelves, and such complaints you can expect from short people. But most people feel far more comfortable with a short gal rather than a super tall one. So yes height is still a factor in today's world, it's a sign of good health and is attractive for people of either sex to be a bit taller than average. That's an advantage in practical fields, romantic ones, and professional ones. Though there are plenty of times us shorties come in handy.

As a 6' gal, I'm so glad that lesbian dating doesn't really have these issues.

That said, there are plenty of times when guys bought me drinks in straight bars and then looked at me in horror when I stood up on my heel-clad feet and was 6 or 7 (or more) inches taller than them. Obviously I can't speak from experience, but it seems to me that those guys take themselves out of the dating pool, because while height discrimination IS a real thing to which some women subscribe, those guys' insecurities may preclude their meeting a women to whom height differences don't matter.

I wouldn't say they were horrified as much as surprised/shocked. I know plenty of guys who like "amazon" women. So if they are truly horrified by a tall woman... Well the hell with them. Shallow jerks.

 

[Julius Terrell]

Again, nobody in this thread is seeing this from my perspective. Height doesn't matter to all the tall people responding in this thread. You don't think about it, because it's not a negative to people of average height on up. It apparently doesn't really affect women to a large degree unless being really tall, but height affects men more than women. Women literally define a man by how tall he is. A man's other attributes only become applicable once he passes the minimum height acceptable.

Society rewards tall and shames short height. All I've ever been is myself, but most people say all you have to be is rich and then height doesn't matter. All I can do is laugh about it. I recognize that not everyone is tall, but the ramifications of being a short guy is just all too visible. Nobody cares because it doesn't affect them. I guess it's a "flaw" in most people's eyes.

 

[Fieldy409_v1legacy]

Its better to be short! Keeps your knees from going on you and makes you a better weightlifter thanks to a smaller range of motion with their little arms and little legs. So I hear...

 

[JemothSkarii]

Last girl I dated left me because of my height (I'm like... 5'5-5'6... or so she said, along with my disability 'making her feel uncomfortable')

Spoiler

Nevermind she had another guy on the side... but that's a different can of worms

Other girls I've talked to have also said taller men so I'd say yes.

 

[R.K. Meades]

This thread reminded me of an incident that went down when I visited some loved ones last year. A friend and I went to a trendy spot he had been telling me about, hoping that it would live up to the hype. (it didn't) I secured a table as he went to fetch a couple of menus. When he reached the bar, a moderately attractive woman stood right in front of the stack, so he lightly tapped her on the shoulder and politely asked to cut in. Before he could finish, the arrogant twit instinctively spat some "ugh, you're too short for me" nonsense, then stormed away when he informed her that he was after drink menus, not an NBA tryout. For the record, this 'short' man is about 5'10 in shoes,[footnote]Healthy, financially stable, well-travelled, and under 30. It's a shame he's soooooooooooo short! [/footnote] and they were about the same height. (mind, she was wearing heeled shoes) The part that made this so memorable came a few minutes later-- the same woman ventured over to our corner of the venue, and started hounding him for validation. My personal highlight was the classic "are you gay?" moment.[footnote]You see this quite often when a person gets blown out. Their bubble bursts, and they are desperate to know why.[/footnote] It was equal parts sad and entertaining. I ended up slipping one of the bar staff a couple of sly tenners to mix the poor sap something that would wash the taste of defeat away.

Yes, height matters. Physical stature is one of the most obvious indicators of strength and health. Our instincts drive us to select strong, healthy mates. This is the same reason a jellyroll like myself will always lose out to a chiseled Bowflex-commercial bod. Muscle-guy isn't really going to be more useful -- I can lift a sofa / install a new kitchen sink / mow the lawn as well as he can -- but that means less than nothing in the face of instinct. A tall man literally stands above a short one, and we're programmed to accord status to that fact.

You're right. Height is often regarded as a sign of power.

As somebody who worked in venue security (and trained in kickboxing) through my university years, I believe that this perception simply doesn't mesh with reality. Height - in and of itself - is not a skill, or a golden ticket. If you asked me how many times some tall fella got lit up by a shorter guy during a shift, completely torpedoing his social value, the number would definitely be close to three figures. Experience tells me that confidence and talent regularly trump the superficial, just as the person who's 'built to go' can win over the person who's 'built for show.'

The prevailing view is that height's a winning attribute for men. On the other hand, from what I have seen and heard, being tall is a double-edged sword for women. Their height will deter the lion's share of knuckleheads from making a cold approach, but there will also be plenty of decent people who are stupid enough to believe they don't have a shot. My friend from the above story had a pretty good long-term relationship with a woman who was about 6'4.