As a man towering at an impressive 6 feet 10 inches, I’ve become all too familiar with the daily struggles and unsolicited commentary that come with the territory. From the incessant basketball inquiries to the cramped airline seats, life as a vertically gifted individual can often feel like a never-ending series of petty gripes.
The Broken Record of Height-Related Remarks
Picture this: you’re minding your own business, perhaps perusing the aisles of your local supermarket or enjoying a pint at the pub, when suddenly, a stranger approaches with a glint in their eye. You know what’s coming next – the inevitable barrage of height-related questions and comments.
- “Do you play basketball?” – A classic opener, as if being tall automatically qualifies one for the NBA.
- “What’s the weather like up there?” – A quip as old as time itself, and just as tiresome.
- “You’re so lucky to be tall!” – While height can have its advantages, it’s not always a blessing.
These well-meaning but ultimately repetitive remarks have become the soundtrack to my daily life. It’s as if my mere presence invites commentary from passersby, regardless of how engrossed I may be in my own tasks.
I can sense when a question is coming – people stare, or stop and look up.
The constant attention to my height has a way of othering me, making me feel like a spectacle rather than just another person going about their day. While I understand that most people don’t intend any harm, the cumulative effect of these interactions can be draining.
The Tall Tax: Paying Extra for Comfort
Beyond the social awkwardness, being tall often comes with a literal price tag. Take air travel, for example – if I want to avoid spending hours with my knees jammed against the seat in front of me, I’m forced to shell out extra for premium seats or exit row upgrades.
Tall people already pay a tax if they want adequate leg room on flights but this incredibly boring and repetitive conversation feels like a tax on life.
It’s not just flights, either. Finding clothes and shoes that fit properly can be a nightmare, with many retailers charging more for larger sizes or simply not stocking them at all. Even everyday items like furniture and cars are rarely designed with the vertically blessed in mind.
Changing the Conversation Around Height
So, what can be done to alleviate the plight of the tall? For starters, a little bit of awareness and empathy can go a long way. Before commenting on someone’s height, consider whether it’s really necessary or appropriate.
While people are generally aware that commenting on facets of someone’s physical appearance is rude, tallness seems to be fair game.
Remember that tall people are just that – people. We have our own lives, interests, and personalities that extend far beyond our height. By focusing on who we are rather than how we look, we can foster more meaningful connections and break free from the cycle of stale stereotypes.
In the end, navigating life as a tall person is an exercise in patience, humor, and the occasional cramped economy seat. But with a little understanding from our vertically-challenged counterparts, we can rise above the petty gripes and stand tall in a world that’s still learning to accommodate our lofty stature.
