I’m going to go on a bit of a rant now as I have a pet peeve and want to set the record straight. At the incredibly young and wrinkle free age of 41, at the soaring height of 4”11, (okay 4”10 ¾ but I like to round up) there seems to be the general impression that I am unaware of my height, or my lack thereof. Yup, people actually think I don’t know that I’m short. I am constantly amazed
Hanging with Steve Harvey. The man is over a foot taller than me at a soaring 6.1!
at the number of people who walk up to me and say things like “Oh My Goodness, you are so little!” or or my personal favorite, ”Holy Moly, I had no idea you were so short!”. You had no idea perhaps because I forgot to invite you to my last physical where they measured my height? Go figure. Next time I will be sure to include you in the Evite.
Luckily, my 41 years of experience has taught me that small can be quite mighty. As a young adult when I used to get mad at my parents because they didn’t have tall genes (no one said I was a logical young adult), my mother would always ask what exactly I considered myself unable to do due to my height. Now, reflecting on my life thus far, I’m happy to say that there isn’t anything I haven’t been able to accomplish. Okay, maybe the NBA won’t be recruiting me anytime soon but if they did, imagine what I could do to the kneecaps of all those players!
Being small, or diminutive as I like to call it, is something that doesn’t define me, its just an attribute that requires me to spend a lot of time at the seamstress shortening pants. It’s something that I have made work for me and ironically, helps me stand out.
Now for our list…(Letterman Drumroll please)
The top 5 reasons I don’t need you to tell me I’m short:
1) I’ve never had to duck down. Ever. Not even in a kids playland as an adult.
2) My feet aren’t always touching the floor depending on what restaurant chair I’m seated on.
3) I have an awesome view of most people’s nostrils.
4) My 9 year old is almost as tall as me.
5) I used to have pedal extensions installed in my previous cars. Thanks GM for building in the pedal extension into my current vehicle!
Is there something obvious that people like to point out that makes you crazy? I would love to hear about it!
Great post Sharon 🙂 I can totally understand how you feel, why do people have to remind us of things that we’ve known about ourselves our entire lives? I’m constantly being told that I’m loud or have a “big mouth”. When I’m excited I tend to talk louder, I realize I do it but get insulted and annoyed being told so and unfortunately my son inherited this!
I have the same issue, my husband is constantly pointing out to me that I am speaking extremely loudly, I think it’s my natural excitement for life!
I will be sure to keep my nose hairs well trimmed.
Ray Rice, Martin St. Louis, Mugsy Bogues. Just a small (no pun intended) sample of tiny pro athletes amongst beasts, yet making their dreams come true through perseverance.
HA-HA! I literally almost snorted out my coffee reading this (nostrils… )
I, too, am on the shorter side (5’2). I can’t say I’ve ever been picked on for it but there were times when people would make “fun” comments such as the ones you mentioned above; however, it has never phased me. I love being on the shorter side actually — gives me more of an excuse to splurge on those new Jimmy Choos! 😉
Fun Post!
Lol, great way to look at it 🙂
Way to go, Sharon. Great post! I’m with you 100 percent. I also get that “I didn’t realize you were so short!” comment and then people (sometimes) realize how dumb that sounds. I guess some of us need to work on that internal filter thing. LOL. You more than make up for it all…you’re one of the most successful (and awesome) people I know!
You are short? How have I never noticed after all these years?!!!!
Many of the worlds greatest leaders were short. I know how you feel though, at 5’2, I am one of the tallest in my family – the Sicilian side:)
I should counter your post with “5 Reasons You Don’t Need to Tell Me I’m Tall”….I’m 6’1”!
LOL wow 6’1!!!!
Oh, Sharon!! I can completely relate to this post! All my life my family and friends have all cracked jokes about my height. You are beautiful and I am proud to say that I am a fellow shortie next to you 😉
Umm…can we share shoes by chance ? #ChooEnvy
I think you are giving many people too much credit, most don’t even realize how dumb they actually sound. And right back at ya tech guy, you’re my moving target of inspiration!
Maria, lucky for you, you just happen to be ridiculously sweet (in spite of that Sicilian side) that it makes you seem taller 🙂
Wow, supermodel part time?! I always tell people if I were only a foot taller,, those ketchup chips I’m addicted to would actually blend better with my body type 🙂
Maybe you, me,Carol and Maria can apply for the next round of munhkins for the remake of Wizard of Oz? We would rock that role!
Ha-ha! We’d totally rock the munchkins of Oz look.
I’m a size 6.5. I’ve seen your collection and I can’t say I’m against this idea. 😉
My wife is vertically challenged as well :-). Unfortunately, people don’t see it as an afflicted problem and that by saying something shouldn’t bother them. I like yourself disagree, although there is many things that are easier for you, there are equally those that are made much more difficult. People really need to put themselves in the shoes of others before they make comments they can’t take back.