10 Very Real Struggles of Being Short ...

By Sheila • Dec 13, 2014 • MD

At 5'2, I’m very familiar with the struggles of being short. Now that I'm almost 30, I have made my peace with my height and accepted that I will never be a supermodel. But that doesn't mean my everyday problems have disappeared. Here are some very real struggles of being short:

1. The Questions

The Questions One of the biggest struggles of being short is answering peoples' questions. "How tall ARE you?" Ugh. Go away. There's also the "What size shoes do you wear?" question. If you must know, my 6 year old niece and I can share shoes, okay? While we're at it, also don't ask us questions like “How’s the weather down there?” and “Do you shop in the kids’ section?” Maybe I do, maybe I don't.

2. Everything is out of Reach

Everything is out of Reach And I mean EVERYTHING! It's not even funny just how many times you've had to awkwardly climb up your kitchen counter to reach the top shelves. The positive? You're now a climbing expert. It's pretty much the same situation everywhere else including the grocery shop and clothing stores. You almost always have to ask for help or look for a step ladder. And if you're in a train or bus, you better sit down because you're never going to reach those handles.

3. Weight Gain

When you're short, it's hard to disguise weight gain, no matter how little it is. In fact, a couple of months back, I got asked if I was pregnant! Boo.

4. You Are so Slow

You Are so Slow Have you tried walking with a tall person? It's hard to keep up because your short legs can only move so fast. So, while they end up looking graceful like a gazelle, you end up looking like a clumsy dodo bird.

5. Shopping for Clothes is a Nightmare

Jeans are too long, even when they're petite, which means you have to spend extra money to alter them. Midi dresses end up looking like maxi dresses on you. Forget about maxi dresses altogether. Crop tops look like regular tops. And if nothing works out, you can always shop at the kids' section...which can be both a blessing and a curse!

6. Concert? What Concert?

Did you come to watch Lady Gaga perform? Tough luck because all you're going to see is the back of the person in front of you. But hey, it's all about LISTENING to the music, right? Ditto at the movies and any other event you'll ever go to.

7. Heels Are Your Best Friend...and Your Worst Enemy

Heels Are Your Best Friend...and Your Worst Enemy You love heels because they make you look just a little bit taller but by the end of the night, you are ready to murder someone, because let's face it...they ****ing hurt! The worst part is, if everyone else decides to wear heels as well, you end up being the shortest AGAIN and you're like "What's the point of enduring all this pain?"

8. You're Always the Elf...

or dwarf, or pixie, or hobbit, or a leprechaun with a pot of gold. "Can't I play a normal sized character?" You wish!

9. Using a Lift Cushion to Drive

Depending on how short you are, you may need a lift cushion to be able to see over the car's dashboard, because it’s the last time you want to have the “OMG what did I just run over?” scare. And if you're not driving, you will be in the middle or on someone's lap.

10. Being the "cute" One

Being the "cute" One Why is that the only adjective people use for short girls? There's nothing wrong with being cute, but come on, I can be a million other things!

Despite all the struggles of being a short girl, there are perks too. Cuddling is so much better, because you’re “fun size”. You almost never have to duck. People always mistake you for being younger than you are, which will be a blessing when you're 50. And let's not forget, more leg room everywhere! So embrace your height and show yourself some love!

What are some struggles you have faced as a short woman?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • nabeelah

    2015-03-24T03:56:34.008Z

    Always mistaken for a 12 year old ...I'm actually 20😐
  • Saira

    2014-12-14T08:00:22.986Z

    Im 5'3 but wear a size 9 shoe :D im a hobbit :)
  • Salena

    2015-05-30T18:18:08.871Z

    I know I stopped growing I'm 5' 1 and 20 years old....bleh
  • Inna

    2014-12-13T17:17:43.483Z

    Agreed to all comments below- I am not too short. But sometimes it becomes boring answering all those questions & dealing other issues of my life...
  • Mari

    2014-12-14T01:15:32.323Z

    This made me laugh I'm 5'3 and I don't have to shop in the kids section
  • Cale

    2014-12-13T18:09:18.848Z

    True but am 5'1 full of fun sexy as I wanna be 😜
  • Karen

    2014-12-13T18:29:30.444Z

    I'm 5ft and I like being short
  • Zanna

    2014-12-13T16:47:48.128Z

    I'm ok with my shortness and cuteness. Kids clothes are cheaper too. Climbing in the kitchen is a bummer though!
  • Scoobie

    2025-02-16T18:40:40.485Z

    I have just had my 21 birthday..I stopped growing age 13. When I was diagnosed with crohns disease. I was told back then it could affect my height. It certainly did I am just under 4'10. I am still carded in clubs and get abit of hassle from younger kids. I am a primary teacher and even the pupils realise that I am short. I help alot of the shorter pupils especially if they have a bad day. Next year i am moving up to year 6. I hope to not have a bad year as some of these pupils are taller than me. We do have a short statured girl who I am Helping and she is moving up as well. We have things in place for her like a step stool has her legs don't reach the floor from her chair. She as loads of friends though. I think that it happens alot i had lots of friends. It's just working with what you have and embracing it.
  • Caroline

    2014-12-13T20:09:37.790Z

    My mom is 44 and 4'11. I'm 15 and 5'8. Family pictures are fun!
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