Being vertically challenged is quite a struggle. I am always running to keep up with people, and I never can see when I'm in crowds. People are always telling me things like "hey, you're short" or asking "how tall are you?" and then there's my favorite, "wow, I didn't realize how short you are." Thanks, people. I didn't realize. Some people say they understand the struggle of being short, but being a mere 60 inches tall is a whole different world. Here are five struggles I encounter on the daily.

1. I am always eye-level with the most awkward things.

As if being short wasn't already awkward enough, I also have to be at an awkward eye-level with everyone else's body. And then when they want to hug me they have to bend down weirdly and it is just so uncomfortable. Oh, what a joy it is being short.

2. I never can keep up with my friends.

I am constantly running and getting shin cramps from walking so fast, or I am ten feet behind everyone else. Everyone is at least five steps ahead of me and they just don't seem to want to slow down. Especially if they are six feet tall or close, I can forget it––I will never catch up.

3. When I'm in crowds, I never know what's going on.

!

I see a bunch of backs, arms, and the floor, and I can crane my neck and see the ceiling. It's me in my own little world because I can't see what else is out there.

4. Once you are in a crowd or large group of people, you are not getting out anytime soon.

They swallow you up and it is a mission to get out. If you dare to even go into the crowd in the first place...

5. Everyone thinks it's so weird that you're short (like you can control it) and uses your head as an arm rest.

Hey, maybe I'm not super short––maybe you are just really tall! As if...

If you are five feet or shorter you understand my daily struggles. Whether it's having to reach something, keep up with people, or seeing in a crowd, it's not going to be an easy task. But you know what they say; good things come in small packages, like diamond earrings! So don't be discouraged, my fellow shorties. Embrace your shortness!