The first thing people notice about me is my height. I’m tall: 6’1’’ to be exact. At 6’1’’, there are a number of things that I and the rest of the tall community have to deal with. These struggles and situations are things that I have gotten used to, but they are valid experiences that make up my life as a tall person.
- When Someone Says “OMG, You Are So Tall!”
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On the outside, I’m smiling. I reply with “Yeah, I am” or “Yeah, I know.” However, on the inside, I am rolling my eyes to the back of my head. I look in the mirror every day just like everyone else. I also notice how much I tower over my friends who are 5’2’’. I know I’m tall, you don’t need to state the obvious for me. Also, this statement is kind of a double standard. It’s not like I can go up to people and say “wow, you are so short,” because that would be rude, right? I remember that it’s all in good spirit when someone points out my height, but it can get old hearing the same thing all the time.
- When Children Stare At You And “Whisper” That You Are A Giant
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I love kids; I think they are adorable. Therefore, I am not bothered by this because I know it’s all in innocence, and let’s face it, kids have no filter. However, it is not uncommon that I’m grocery shopping or walking somewhere and I feel someone’s eyes on me. I’ll turn around and see a cute little kid who quickly turns away and looks at their parents. I then hear “Mommy! Do you see that girl, she’s so tall.” Then, the parent looks at me apologetically, and I smile to let them know that everything is okay. We go our separate ways, but it is definitely a reminder that I stick out, even in the most common situations.
- The Assumption That I Play Basketball
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Not all tall people play basketball! I don’t even play sports, and at least once a week, I witness a shocked face when I reveal this fact about myself. I usually carry the conversation along with other things I’m interested in, such as fashion and the arts. However, can we please squash the idea that being tall guarantees athletic ability? I promise you, it does not. I can’t even throw or catch a ball, let alone dunk it.
- Uniforms
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Any time I have to wear a uniform or costume as part of an extracurricular activity, it is always way too short on me. When you are tall, you definitely have to think outside the box to make some things work. I’ve had to wear black socks under black pants to make them appear longer. Every time an outfit comes with a skirt, I have to walk and twirl around while asking my mom or roommate, “Can you see my butt?” Needless to say, I have multiple pairs of booty shorts on standby for whenever I need them.
- Online Shopping
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“Okay, but how tall is the model?” is the most common question I have to ask when I’m looking at clothes through a screen. I have to constantly estimate where a skirt or dress will fall on me or if the sleeves on a top or jacket will be too short. When the outfit finally comes in the mail, I hold my breath as I try it on. Shopping, even in person, can be a whole experience. I had to find brands I love and remain loyal to them because I know their pants won’t look like highwaters and their full-length sleeves won’t become three-quarter-length sleeves on me.
- When Someone Asks, “How Is The Weather Up There?”
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I laugh this off and quickly reply with “Fine, how is the weather down there?” If I’m being real though, this is the question that irks me the most. Relax, I’m 10 inches taller, not 10,000 feet. If you say this (or any of the phrases I have mentioned before), I beg you to find something new because this joke is completely overrated.
- Taking Pictures With Friends
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Most of my close friends are under 5’5’’. I’ve had friends as short as 4’10’’. We love each other dearly, but it is so hard to take cute pictures together. Generic poses or fun Instagram ideas usually make me look like I’m towering over them. It’s a challenge to find a frame that flatters both of us. We usually have to sit down next to each other in photos. Sometimes I’ll squat, and in some cases, we’ve found stairs so they can stand at a higher elevation. It makes for funny memories, and in the end, struggling to take cute pictures is a small price to pay for having great friends.
- Wearing Heels
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There are so many cute heels in the world. I look at them, but then I have to reconsider. Do I really want to be 6’5’’? I generally opt for a lower heel, and I’m very happy with that choice. Looking on the bright side, I never had to learn how to walk in outrageously tall heels, my feet are always comfortable, and I can get away with wearing fancy sandals to dances and formal events.
Despite everything, I’ve learned to love my height. It is one of the features that makes me unique, and it has more positives than negatives. I can always reach the top shelf. Being 6’1’’ has worked to my advantage as I start to pursue modeling. Acknowledging my height and the stereotypes that come with it (like playing basketball) have even made for good ice breakers. If you have seen the movie Tall Girl on Netflix, being 6’1’’ is not how the lead girl portrays it. I can still find cute clothes. I don’t envy those who are shorter than me. I like being tall. The “struggles” are worth it.