The long and short of It: Problems petite and tall people face on a daily basis

Let’s face it. Taller people and smaller people battle daily, underestimated and overlooked challenges. Over the years, as they either quickly or slowly grow, they learn how to cope with not being average height.

 Reaching for Things

Sometimes, for people who are short in stature, reaching things is not easy. Everything seems to be just out of reach.

 Camille Holzman, a student who stands at barely 5’ said, “I tried to give a 6’6 guy a high-five and needed to stand on a chair in heels and jump to barely touch the bottom of his hand.”

 Some tall people don’t feel like they have things any better off. If you are tall, it may seem like short people enjoy pestering you and asking you to reach things.

 “One of my best friends is 4’ 11” and everyone in her family are below 5’ 5” so when I go over to their house, I usually find myself taking things down from high shelves for her mother like the pancake griddle,” said senior Sabina Hahn.

 Walking

 Keeping up with a tall person is an issue.

Hannah Denson said, “I’m not very fond of [being petite]. When I walk with my family, my dad is very tall and he walks very fast and I’ll be behind.”

On the opposite side, tall friends feel like they have to slow down to match their shorter friends’ pace.

 “It can sometimes be a bother,” said Max Burns. “I am always having to slow down in order to be involved in the conversation. Not everyone is as tall as me so accommodating to them is a daily occurrence!”

 Shopping

 Shopping is not always fun for those who are short in stature.

 “I find it exceedingly difficult to find clothing that actually fits my size without being revealing and inappropriate. Usually I have to settle for something that’s too long or too loose or too tight because many places simply refuse to make clothing my size,” Holzman said.

 Justin Taylor, a medium height guy said, “I feel for [short guys]. They have to go to the kids section or have to wear gym shorts.”

 Tall people get frustrated by the lack of a “tall” section. Also, tall girls lament over the inability to wear high heels.

 “I like high heels, but I just feel like I am a little too tall in them!” said Nicole Yphantides.

 A frustrated Hahn added, “it’s a real problem shopping for jeans because most pants are too short and it makes me look like I’m preparing for a flood.”

Those who are at challenging heights have learned to cope with their genetics. Holzman joked, “Having been short my whole life, I’m used to it by now and I can ask people who are tall to get the stuff for me…or I can kick them in the shin if they’re keeping it from me!” However, some people like their heights. “Most of the time, I like being tall; it’s a good height.” Yphantides said