We know, or so they say, that our appearance says a lot about us: besides our way of dressing or styling our hair, there are other physical details that do not go unnoticed by some people we cross paths with and interact with, such as our figure and height. The latter is a factor that influences, although not decisively, when judging our likability.
Height can be a blessing or a nuisance for certain people, which is why in today's writing we have set out to make a list of the pros and cons of being a person of medium or short stature. Without intending to offend anyone and even less to trivialize, we simply try to see the bright side of something that can become a complex (by default or excess) for some people.
The height of each country
Before getting into the subject, we will provide a series of interesting data on the average height according to an analysis carried out by the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) in relation to the average height of 27 countries.
This comparative study from 2009 found that at the top of the countries with the tallest men are Denmark and the Netherlands, with an average of 182 centimeters (5 feet 11.7 inches); while the tallest female population is found in Iceland and also Denmark, with an average of 168 centimeters (5 feet 6.1 inches). These figures refer to the population between 20 and 49 years old.
Meanwhile, the European average ranges between 177 centimeters (5 feet 9.7 inches) for men and 164 (5 feet 4.6 inches) for women. Where does Spain rank, at the top or the bottom? "Think the worst and you'll be right," they say; and the small country is almost at the bottom of this ranking, with figures ranging from 174 centimeters (5 feet 8.5 inches) in men and 163 (5 feet 4.2 inches) in their female counterparts.
However, other countries are below Spain. For example: the average height of men in Japan, South Korea, Portugal, and Mexico is lower (from 172 to 167, respectively); while the countries with the average height in women below the Spanish are the United States, Türkiye, and the aforementioned ones, whose values fluctuate between 162 and 154 centimeters (5 feet 3.8 inches and 5 feet 0.6 inches).
Disadvantages of short people
Without intending to fall into pessimism, we have decided to start with the downsides of not being very tall, to then counteract them with optimism through the advantages we can take advantage of with little height.
1. Not reaching objects that are too high
That darn cup stored at the top of the cupboard, the special occasion plates that have been stored since the last dinner we celebrated at home and that there is no way to reach; or the book we are interested in that is at the top of the bookshelf or library... In any case, for some people, it can be an uncomfortable moment to have to ask someone to reach it for us.
2. Hemming pants or dresses
A relentless struggle takes place every time new clothes are bought. The length of most pants and dresses responds to measurements that not everyone meets. It is not uncommon to find that the hem of the pants falls too much, losing the shape of the garment; or in the case of women's dresses, that they drag on the floor.
The solution? Take it to the tailor to fix it, something that at first glance doesn't cost too much effort or money, we simply try to emphasize that there are those who do not need any additional adjustments.
3. On the subway or bus, you reach people at armpit height
This is a problem that is accentuated in summer, although the phenomenon can occur during all seasons and is equally unpleasant for those who have to suffer it.
When we travel on public transport and are forced to stand the entire journey, some users cling to the safety bars in positions that leave their armpit too close to the nose of short people, rewarding those below with a sample of unbreathable body odors, the result of overactive sweat glands.
4. Short guys are invisible to some girls
Yes, some may think that certain stereotypes are outdated regarding the height of mismatched height couples, but the truth is that for certain types of girls, it is still a reason for rejection to meet guys shorter than them.
The excuse used is that a couple where she is taller than him "doesn't look good" (who knows what that means), even more so when many like to wear heels on special occasions.
What, this is a lie and no longer happens? We invite skeptics to take a tour of Tinder and other dating networks and read the profiles of some girls and see how they warn that they will ignore any candidate who is not of their same height or taller.
5. Clothing sizes run out quickly
In many countries, where we have already said that the average height doesn't usually exceed 175 centimeters (5 feet 8.9 inches), finding sizes suitable for people of this height is sometimes mission impossible, as they are usually the ones that sell out first. Yes, there are also those who wear large sizes and may find that some brands do not manufacture the one that fits them, but we believe it is a problem that is slowly beginning to be mitigated.
Advantages of short people
Everyone can relax, here come five points in favor of being a short person, it wasn't all going to be bad!
1. More comfort in airplane or bus seats
Yes, there is an advantage that short people benefit from, and it has to do with the space between the seats of a bus or passenger plane. Many companies leave a gap where barely legs fit, making the trip a nuisance for people with too long legs.
2. In team sports, it's easy to slip away
Many sports, such as soccer or basketball, use attack strategies based on the speed and skill of their shorter players to slip between opponents to have more options to score the highest number of goals possible.
3. No need to duck to pass through certain places
Fortunately or unfortunately, the frames of many doors and entrances are usually well above the heads of many people, so they don't have to watch out for bumping every time they cross these thresholds.
4. Being able to stretch without problems
When it comes to resting, there is no inconvenience in stretching out on the sofa at home or in our bed, as those who are not too tall will fit without needing to bend their legs and can get into almost any position without too much effort.
5. Custom suits are cheaper since they use less fabric
For those special occasions that require formal attire, such as weddings, baptisms, communions, or company dinners, those who do not find suits suitable for their height or want to indulge themselves can opt to hire a tailor to make one to measure. Although it is an expensive option, it will be less so if we consider that the amount of fabric required will be less than that of someone taller.
Is it better to be tall or short?
Although this time we have focused on a group of people, it would not be fair to ignore that tall people also have to deal with certain inconveniences in their daily lives related to their great height. For example: being tall makes you stand out above a crowd even if you don't want to be seen; while this can be a problem for people on the other side of the spectrum who want to be seen.