“Wow you’re tall. You should play basketball”, said everyone….
I’ve always been tall. I stand beautifully at 5’9, and I’ve probably been this height since around the 6th grade. So yea, I’ve heard it all. I was once even nicknamed ‘Big Bird’ and ‘Tree’ during middle school 🙄. But it’s cool. I learned to appreciate the beauty of my stature. I started to understood how me being taller than my peers made me unique. So instead of feeling inferior to those of a ‘normal’ height, I embraced who I was; I loved being “Tree”… I loved being ME..
So apparently, my daughter is the tallest in her class.. go figure 🤷🏾♀️
Although I came to adapt the nicknames I was given, I never got used to being told how I should utilize my measure. I can’t express to you how annoying it was to hear that I should be playing basketball because of my height. And it’s almost as if the ENTIRE WORLD had the same idea. I heard similar comments from everyone I encountered… But why? Is that the only profession acceptable for taller women? Or is it supposed to be a compliment, meant to express how I would somehow be good at the sport? Either way, on behalf of every woman with long legs, we’re tired of hearing it. Yes, we know we’re tall, but no, we don’t want to play basketball!….
To insinuate that taller women would fit better in certain careers, such as playing sports or modeling (although both great job choices), would be the same as implying that a shorter person would be a great fit for the 8th of the 7 dwarfs, or whatever else a short person would be good for….. it’s Important to take into consideration how your comments could make someone feel. Even if your intent was to compliment, know that taller women never really appreciate a constant comments on her height. She’s tall… She knows… she’s reminded everyday 🙄. Instead, try to spark a conversation the way you would with anyone else. You’ll be a lot less annoying that way 😬.
Besides the basketball comment, we also hate hearing things like….. “If you have a baby by a tall guy, your kids are going be giants” (No, my kids will be perfect. How bout, let’s worry about our own kids, k? 🙃), “How tall are your parents?” (Why? How tall are yours?), “Can you reach that for me?” (Uh, no. go stand on something). “I wouldn’t wear heels if I were your height” (Sorry your self esteem sucks)….
Bottom line, don’t say it… Just don’t. Try to be more sensitive when commenting on someone’s physical appearance. What may seem like a polite expression or flattering remark, may actually be downright rude and uncomfortable.
Who else had to grow up constantly being reminded of their height?
TTYL,
Lexi 💋
