It's no secret that us shorties have some difficulties reaching things in everyday life...as a fellow shorty myself, I feel these on a deep level. #shorties #shortstack #fournineandahalf #verticallychallenged #funsized
1. Having a step stool in every room in the house (ladders too) - It’s no secret that tall cabinets and shelves are a short person’s nightmare. Most top shelves are taller than we would like them to be, Going to the grocery store is one of the biggest challenges; personally, I avoid the top shelves when I go to the store because it’s embarrassing to try and jump and reach for the item I want. Is this excess? Probably, but that’s the price to pay for being this small. Another qualm us shorties have to deal with is our closets being too tall. This to the point that I have a four step ladder hiding in my closet for getting to those hard to reach and high places. Honestly, it’s terrifying to have to get on a ladder to get shoes or clothes but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.
2. Clothes don’t fit (the tailor is your best friend) - Shopping for clothes is one of the hardest things to do as someone smaller than five feet tall. I am currently in search for more professional clothing and don’t want to order anything because I’ll have to go to the tailor and hem it, which is just a pain. I will say that my tailor is great at her job. I have been going to her for years. She understands why I need to see her and helps me with all my fitting needs! (seriously, anything from my school uniform to my graduation dress to my homecoming costume senior year of high school, she has helped me with everything).
3. Not being able to see in a crowd - This one might be obvious...it’s one of the ones I have to deal with pretty often. Whether that be at a sporting event or concert or even waiting in line somewhere crowded, I am surrounded by a sea of trees. There was one time, while stagedooring a Broadway show that I had to leave the crowd because of how claustrophobic I got. There is not that much airflow down where I stand when surrounded by other humans. Another strategic part of this is at concerts (especially those at TCU...I figured out where to stand in the commons in order to see the best -- high up.) although this isn’t always possible, the thought is there. The last concert I went to, was at TCU...I stood where I normally stand and still couldn’t see because of the insane crowd...I digress...this is not a fool proof strategy but definitely an obstacle being under five feet tall comes with.
4. Getting carded whenever ordering anything because you look 12 - another big one! In emergency exit rows on airplanes and at bars and restaurants, I get carded 99.9% of the time. Yes, I know I will learn to appreciate it when I get older but right now, it just feels like everyone judges a book by its cover. I don’t look older in the face? I love the look bartenders, waiters/waitresses, and flight attendants give me when I say my real age. It’s great. They are so surprised. The first drink I ever ordered (on my 21st birthday) I was so nervous about handing the cashier my ID...even though I knew it would work (although it almost didn’t because it was my actual birthday). No matter what, I always get that look and the “really?” that follows. I promise, I’m over 21.
5. Hugs - My favorite! I am the biggest hugger in the world. When you’re under five feet tall like me, hugging your friends is so fun! As a lot of my friends are 5’5” or taller, when I hug them my face goes straight to their chests. This occurs most of the time, unless I get on my tip toes and reach. Although this is not the most exciting part of being 4’9.5” it is probably my favorite.
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