Does height difference matter in a relationship?

[Benny91]

As I’m 6ft 4in and my girlfriend is 4ft 11in, is this weird for a relationship? What do you think?

As my girlfriend and I occasionally do get looks from people.

I think it’s less obvious when the man is taller. But I wouldn’t take a second glance.

It appears to be far more of a problem if the man is shorter than the woman. It seems to be a cause for ridicule. Quite a few female celebrities are taller than their partners, and seem content, but that may due to the size of their wallets!

No issue here, DP is just under 5ft and I'm 6ft 3in.

Does your girlfriend look a bit younger than you though? I've started getting the occasional disgusted look when out with my 18yo daughter these days, it's like people automatically assume I'm a dirty old man

I've known a few couples with this sort of height difference. I think it only matters if it bothers you so if it doesn't just ignore those who feel they have to comment. It wouldn't work for anyone contemplating a joint commitment to ballroom dancing, but that's niche.

DH and I are same height, but I stand up straighter so look taller and easily a lot taller even in a smallish heel. We have had comments which I think is odd. Even odder are comments re DS being taller than both of us. It's not as if either of us is short. I'm very used to ignoring height based remarks as I'm taller than most of my female friends by quite a notable margin and my late brother was smaller than me.

DH calls me his “little pocket demon” 🫠😂😂😂😂

So it’s ok for men to have preferences, but women get criticised if they do.

As a man observing, you should definitely tell her your height before you meet her. You’re well under the statutory 6ft that 99% of women require. She might be kind and hide her obvious dissapointment that you aren’t at least 6ft, but eventually she’ll find you far too short. There is slightly more hope if you have money, but it would have to be quite a lot of money.

Perhaps you can don a baseball cap and rob a bank ? Bad boys are always catching the eye after all. Theres a group on Facebook called “If he’s short can I abort” ? That’s where we are in 2026.

Good luck

I’m a couple of inches taller than DH. It’s never bothered either of us. Together v happily since the early 90s.

I don’t think 99% of women are looking for a 6ft man - but just a man who is no shorter than we are. And as the average male is taller than the average female, is height really an issue for most people?

My cousin has dwarfism and is married to a taller than average woman - she’s probably about 5’9. They are extremely happy (but tend to have photos taken sitting down!)
Dh is almost a foot taller than me, as is ds1 and his gf. Why would it be weird?

BS made up by incels.

My dh is 6.5 I’m 5.6, it’s never been a problem.
My son is 6.6 and was with his 4.11 girlfriend for four years. They’ve split now but it wasn’t because of the height difference. Although if I’m completely honest it could look a little odd in photos.

The problem seems to be when the woman is taller than the man. Men, however decent they are, who are shorter than their partner are just written off.

By whom, though? Clearly not their partners!

Haha similar to me and my husband. Only downside is that we had two gigantic kids so c section both times and my body never bounced back

This is from You Gov

"Surveys indicate that a significant portion of women prefer men to be taller than them, often setting a 6-foot minimum, despite the average US male height being 5'9". Studies show that about 50% of women only consider men of equal or greater height, with 60% of women on some apps looking for men over 6 feet.

The 6-Foot Preference:

While only ~14.5% of American men are 6ft or taller, a high percentage of women have a preference for this height, often creating a "6-foot rule" on dating apps.

Dating App Filters: One study 3 found that 60% of women look for men over 6 feet, while only 15% are willing to date men 5'8" or shorter.

"Too Short" Threshold: On average, women feel a partner is "too short" if they are 5'8" or under.

How Much Does Height Actually Matter in Dating ...

23 Dec 2025 — In one sense, the notion that “height doesn't matter” is an absurdity. Studies show that, across cultures, height is among the most important factors in determining attraction.

30 Jul 2023 — Only 15% of Women Show Interest in 5'8" Men on Dating Apps, According to Survey. A survey from Bumble found that 60% of women indicate that they are looking for "at keast 6ft".

Theres plenty more facts out there. He should definitely tell her his height because only 15% are going to be attracted to him.

Fact.

But dating apps aren't really representative of real life.

Lots of my friends are married to men who are shorter than 6ft. I also know several couples where the woman is taller than the man.

My teenage DD isn’t only looking for a 6ft lad among her dating pool and my son’s best mate is 5ft8 and as far as I can see hasn’t been without a girlfriend for more than a few weeks since he was about 14.

What people put on a survey or a dating app isn’t necessarily how they actually behave with real people.

Not a massive difference but I'm 5'6 and OH is 5'5. Being honest i never believed i could be attracted to a man shorter than me but it literally makes no difference.

I wind him up about his height, he winds me up about my enormous hands (they truly are gigantic) and it all works fine.

Plus I hate wearing heels and now I dont ever have to again 🤷‍♀️