Being short isn't always an easy life, and there are some disadvantages to this short life. But finding the advantages can completely change your view of life, literally.
1. Accept your height as it is.
For years, all I wanted to do was grow at least one more inch, just one inch, but no, God graced me with short legs and arms at the height of 5'2." I used to tell my mom all the time that there was hope for me to gain some length. All I would need was to get my back straightened up, and BAM I could be another inch taller. But no, that never happened, so I learned to accept my short self and look for the advantages.
2. Push past the tall people.
One of the greatest advantages is being able to compact your shoulders down and push through thick crowds of people. It is especially helpful at concerts when people taller than you are typically willing to let you up front. Because, you know, they feel bad and in your way for being tall.
3. Petite clothing
Finally being able to move up from junior's clothing to women's petite clothing is like coming into a whole new world. All of a sudden everything fits better for your short, little, stature.
5. Your perspective on how the world looks is completely different from that of your tall friends.
This gives the advantage of being able to point things out that are below the eyesights of your friends. Things really do look different a foot below everyone else. Your world is totally different than theirs is.
Being short is great, but it does have disadvantages:
1. You can't walk nearly as fast as your 5'5" or taller friends.
I can honestly say that it takes me almost twice the amount of time to get from one place to the other while walking than it does my friends who have three or more inches of height on me. I mean, I try to walk quickly, I really do, but my little legs just can't propel me nearly as far. So, I just plan for extra time when walking places.
2. Pants that claim to be "short"
Sometimes you buy pants that are imposters. They lie to you by claiming to be "short" in length, but they are never quite short enough. They still drag on the ground, eventually becoming frayed, or they become your sixth favorite pair of capris.
3. Please, speak over my head again, I love that.
No, not really. Please don't. If you actually want to continue in your conversation, it is completely fine to go around me and talk to your friend. Talking over my head as if I'm not there is just not very polite, because guess what? I am there; you just can't see me. Also, when I stand against a door holding it open, make sure you see me. Otherwise things get awkward for both parties when you try to push me open instead of the door. Really, it just doesn't work.
4. Not being able to reach the top shelf at the store.
I guess I just figured another way to make things work and improvised. Although trying to reach items off the top shelf does get you in some good stretching, it's embarrassing when strangers see your struggle and come grab it for you. Standing on the shelves is definitely the better way to go, it screams "self sufficiency."
Being short has some very clear advantages and disadvantages. I could go on and on listing them all. As a short person, you just have to find your little niche in the world from your view and love your little height. Sometimes though, I really do wonder if the air smells different 12 inches above my head. Guess I'll never find out.
