Coping with being short?

[EmbarrassedAF]

I’m 22 and 5’1. As I’ve gotten older I have become more insecure and depressed about my height - I’m extremely aware of it. I’m really down about the fact that I’m going to be this height forever. I’m literally the height of a child

I have had a few life changes in 2017 - graduating, leaving my old retail job and starting a job in accounting, moving back home and breaking up with my ex. My entire social circle has changed and I’m not in the same bubble of people that did not care about my height. EG I feel like I’m not taken seriously at work - I’m dramatically shorter than everyone else. I get comments daily.

When I wear heels, I’m still a lot shorter than the majority of people. It’s embarrassing. I hate taking photos too. I guess I’m just wondering if anyone else went through a similar ‘rut’ and had any advice

I am around 5.2" and I can honestly say it's only now I am 48 years old I wish I was taller so I wouldn't look so fat. But it's my weight that bothers me, not my height.

I have worked in the city for over 20 years in a very male dominated environment and my height has never been an issue.

It is true what pp said, work on your general demeanour, composure, appearance and voice.

People who make comments about others' height are pathetic in my opinion.

5’ and 57 here. I’d love to have been taller but theres not a lot to be done about that really. I have found my style which I think is important. For years I tried to look elegant and smart but with big boobs, thin, fine crappy hair and a face like a benign elf, I’ve embraced the casual look. I can’t wear even a slight heel due to joint problems so can’t give the illusion of height. People do seem to have a tendency to treat me less seriously but to be fair I’m not an overly serious person. The older you get hopefully you will also give less or no fucks about your height. I know a fair few short women who are incredibly well respected and never messed with in their careers. There are pros and cons to being both tall and short and I think it’s best to focus on the things you like about yourself (not just looks) and try concentrat less on the aspects you don’t like. One at helped me was trying to be grateful. So yes I have short stumpy legs but I can walk ok etc etc.

Ignore heightist remarks at work and don’t let anyone see you’re bothered by them. Just carry on with what your doing as if the remark wasn’t made.

5'1" is not the height of a child.

You're 22. That's why no one takes you seriously at work, it's got nothing to do with your heels or height. You just don't know much yet.

I'm 5'2" myself. It's not something I have to cope with!

I'm a bit baffled that's it's anything more than a minor thought now and again to be honest?

I'd say stop talking about it and maybe you'll stop thinking about it too?

The average height for a woman in the uk is 5’3’’ so you are not far from the average and certainly closer than if you were 5’9’ or 5’10’’. It honestly would not be commented on in my workplace.

In 2017 the average height of a women is 5'5" so yep 5'1" is notably short - still taller than me though!!!

You get used to it, you mature and people realise that you're a grown woman.

I did accidentally once get a child fare (U15 at the time) on a London bus in my early 20s. I mind much less now I'm older it's just irritating re clothes and reaching stuff in stores.

Haven’t read through the whole thread, but yes- confidence (this can be quiet confidence, needn’t be noisy!) matters more height.

As a fellow shorty, I have —finally, at 36— learned to dress for my shape. If clothes are too big overall then I run the risk of looking like I am playing at dress up. Which instantly takes years off me. Which I don’t need!

I'm short. Is it really something to "cope" with? No, it really isn't. It's not a disability, it isn't a health problem, it's who you are, and it isn't going to change.

Whatever you do to achieve it, you need to become more comfortable within yourself and quickly. I bet the people who make comments sense you're uncomfortable about your height and male jibes accordingly.

I used to wear heels all the time, but never to be taller, just because I liked to. My tall friends were envious because they felt they couldn't get away with heels every day!

One tip - if at work you need to converse with someone much taller, make sure the conversation takes place sitting down. It's a great leveller.

I'm 4ft 7 so even the petite ranges are normally too long for me! Try and elongate your style . I wear slim cut trousers/jeans/skirts and ribbed jumpers tops . I prefer French designers especially any of the Paul and joe ranges - they can be picked up cheaply on eBay. I also like verabeurt for cardis etc the larger children's fit me but don't look childish. Geox kids boots look grown up (try finding shoes /boots without glitter etc when your shoe size is 2). Don't buy cheaper clothes as it's false economy. Save up and get one or two items and get them tailored to fit.

I'm 5'1" and wear very tailored clothes. In my college years, I often got mistaken for my then-boyfriend's younger cousin 🙄.

But I have 'grown into' my size by avoiding clothes that make me look younger. I once went to my kids' school wearing a navy sweater with a white blouse, and got shouted at by the Year 6 teacher for not joining the line , so as long as I avoid tween fashion, I am safe.

That is the only incident in the last 20 years that made me feel height-conscious.