All I’m Saying Is, Give Short Guys A Chance

I come from a long line of intrepid short people. A small stature hasn’t ever stopped my father, who stands 5’4”, from being the most charismatic and articulate man in the room, or my brother, who is shorter, from traveling the world on top-secret government business. So I don’t have the same prejudices that other ladies do about short dudes. In fact, I’m downright shocked that so many girls have a non-negotiable policy when it comes to the 5’8” and under crowd. Obviously, there are plenty of vertically challenged jerks out there, but before you establish height parameters on your OkCupid profile, consider the following:

1. Short guys can protect you as well as any tall man. I always wonder what girls are picturing when they say they need a big guy to feel protected, a West Side Story style knife fight breaking out on their way to the bar? In this modern world, you are much more likely to need protection in the form of a sharp mind, chutzpah and moral courage. A short man is just as equipped to give this to you as any tall man. If you’re so worried about getting mugged then maybe you should carry mace.
2. When a short man is confident and secure with himself, you know he’s earned it. Chances are he’s had to work harder than his tall brothers for his spot on the team, his date to the prom and even his first job. Growing up several inches smaller than the rest of the gang is a real challenge and a man who has met it with grace and dignity is likely to have some hard-won, old-fashioned self-esteem.
3. Short guys are are good dancers. I don’t know if it’s their low center of gravity, quick reflexes or the economy of their limbs, or but in my experience, shorter men can really bring it on the dance floor. If a short guy invites you to cut the rug, I suggest you accept. You just might find your heart pirouetting.
4. Short guys can make you feel feminine. A major issue for ladies unwilling to date the un-tall seems to be a fear of feeling large or lumbering next to their sensibly sized man. However, it’s not just height that makes a man masculine. Height has nothing to do with a guy knowing just the right moment to put an arm around a girl or the exact combination of words that will make her feel beautiful, or better yet, understood.

The last point gets to the heart of matter, which is that takes very few dates (like two) before the way someone makes you feel dictates the way you see him. The luster of a strong-jawed six-footer who’s mean or dull will fade pretty darn quickly when you find yourself the target of a snide remark or having to carry the conversation for more than twenty minutes. And a weak-chinned shorty can start to look smokin’ hot when he makes you laugh so hard your guts hurt. So before you set a height minimum, or any other superficial limitation, either online or in the checklist in your mind, remember that love can’t be ordered à la carte and that by restricting your options, you could be missing out on some pretty big fun.

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