Hello Tallies !
I wanna hear your stories ! Tell me about the most funny / weird / nasty / mean thing that anyone has ever said to you about being a tall person ! You can answer here or on my Facebook page. If there’s a profile pic of you anywhere or if you’re willing to send me a picture later, you could be turned into a cartoon character that will tell your story !
I want to make several comics about this so the world can see what a tall person sometimes goes through 😉 So tell me as many as you wish and don’t hesitate to come back if you forgot something ! ;D
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Regular comic version of the thing (click to enlarge)
Tall AND curly ladies like me : YOUR STORIES ARE AWAITED TOO !!! 😀
ATTENTION : By sending your story, you understand and I accept that I will use it and probably modify it to turn it into a cartoon, that I will share it on my blog, all my social media accounts and anywhere else I might need to, and that I will own the copyright of the comic.
I’m 5’11”, so I get plenty of the usual rude comments, like “OMG you’re tall!” (as though I hadn’t noticed?), or “How tall are you anyway?”, “do you play basketball or volleyball?” and so on. But the funniest/oddest happened when I was a teenager. I grew up in a smallish town, and the local movie theater could only play one movie at a time. My best friend and I were waiting in line one day for the latest block buster, and I stepped back and accidentally bumped into a young boy. I turned and apologized, and his mother said “Oh that’s okay, it’s just because he’s so short!” She then proceeded to say this to her son: “Can you imagine if you were that girl’s height, honey? Momma would have to crawl up to you and shout ‘how’s the weather up there?’ if you were!” It was so odd, I didn’t even know what to say, just turned around and desperately tried to pretend they didn’t exist, lol. It was by far the oddest response I’ve received to my height I’ve ever received, lol.
The best response was when I was vacationing in the Bahamas, and a vendor in the straw market kept hollering that he “wanted to sell something to the super model” every time I walked by! I am obviously NOT a model, and he clearly just wanted to sell something, but I appreciated it nonetheless, lol. What was funniest was the day he had a girl with him. He started hollering again about selling to the super model as I walked by, and she turned to me, all wide eyed and excited and said “You’re a super model???” I was sorry to disappoint her, lol, but flattered that she seemed to think it was actually possible!
One of the most common things that my 5’10” friend and I get yelled at us is, “American height!” (We’re both Kenyans living in Kenya.) We’re definitely taller than average here – I guess the general assumption is everyone stateside is 6′ plus. 🙂
Wow lolll so not true 😀
I’m currently working in Japan and being almost six feet tall, I get a lot of stares. One of my favorite moments was when one of my junior high school students raised his hand and asked “Why are you so tall?” I still haven’t figured out how I should have answered him.
LOLLLLLL WHY are you so tall that’s the cutest and most annoying question EVER 😀
I went to Japan once and some of my most amazing memories as a tall girl occured over there :))
Simple answer: Genetics
Funny answer: Because you’re so short
haha Christina, I can so relate. I am 6″2 and also worked in Japan. Other than generally feeling like an elephant in a porcelain shop, I would get a whole new brand of awkward height comments. The japanese, who are extremely polite, would tell me “Good height” while bowing. As though paying a compliment on my efforts. Was sweet!
Jessica: I’m so sorry you don’t embrace Heels. It is definitely personal preference. I have 2 other friends around my height. We absolutely love going out and getting dressed up and wearing 3-4 inch heels. We don’t go to clubs but even just for dinner we love it. We do get attention but we don’t mnd it at all. I can’t count how many women have said thanks for wearing heels…. I wish I had some of your height. Most like the confidence that it takes for a tall woman to make herself even taller.
The negative comments can hurt but for each negative I intentionally allow myself to remember the countless small compliments. It is sad how negative things can stick in our minds but allow the positive things to allow you to hold your head high and know every inch of your height is beautiful. 🙂
I’m 6’3″ and work at Starbucks. I’m forced to deal with many people and their awkward small talk all day every day. Not an hour goes by that I don’t get told that I’m tall, asked if I’m standing on something, (Oh, and often times the guy who asks if I’m standing on something thinks that he is so funny and original, he has to then laugh loud enough for the people around him to hear, and then tell the person behind him, “I thought she was standin’ on something!” as he rudely points at me like a caged animal) asked if I play basketball, told that I should because I’m a waste, or hear some comment about it being hard to find boyfriends.
I think that is the most difficult comment to be patient with. I try to be patient about all of the initial, oblivious public comments about me being tall and them just blurting their observation out, but I can’t get passed how rude it is to ask someone, “It must be really hard to find a boyfriend that doesn’t mind, huh?” —This is just so rude. No one would ever say that to someone they found to be fat or ugly. It is clearly a negative thing to you if you are saying it must be hard to find love, though. I have never dated a guy that was even AS tall as me. There aren’t many tall guys out there, and a lot of them are into sports…which I am NOT into.
You can tell that some people start to feel guilty if your face shows that you’re clearly upset, so they always back it up with “you could be a model, you’re lucky!” (even though I’m far too curvy to be a model) And why to people think that the only reason why I should spend my time doing something is because of my size? I happen to not be competitive at all and I don’t understand sports or the narcissistic ways of modeling. I’m NOT a waste. I would trade with you, short person who likes those things, if I could.
I get a lot of men ordering a “tall blonde” because it is a type of coffee roast, and when they order it they laugh in a creepy way and nod at me like I’ve never heard it before. I have noticed that usually the only men that actually like when women are tall (my boyfriends have just accepted it as a part of me, not enjoyed it from the beginning) they are super creepy guys who have some sort of twisted fetish about women dominating them and things like this…*shiver*
I think one of the worsts parts about being tall is just the general discomfort I have every day (brushing my teeth, getting into a car, ringing a customer at the register, etc.) Honestly, I don’t know why any tall woman would want to wear heels. It’s not that I’m ashamed of being tall, it’s just already so uncomfortable not fitting into the space around you, why make it worse?
I’m exactly your height Jessica and used to work waiting tables where I got a lot of dumb comments. Over time I got more comfortable with myself and work on changing the conversation. I became proud of myself and, although I know there are unwelcome comments and stares, I meet a lot of people even though I’m basically shy. There *are* some good guys out there too:-) Over the years I’ve come to see my height as a way to filter out the losers who have problems. If they are bothered by your height, they’re going to have other problems too.
There are tricks for physically fitting into the world better – maybe this would be a good art subject for Tall N Curly:-) I have some and have learned for other talllies out there.
I usually don’t wear heels much, but that is for comfort. I certainly don’t mind the view when I’m rocking my four inchers.
I want to hear tricks! Thanks for all the love, ladies!
You’re welcome! I pray that all tall women embrace their height. I educated a tall male one time on what tall women go through. He was shocked and had no idea. So it taught me this…WE know our struggles but others may not. I chose to educate when I was calm and I cannot tell you what a positive experience it was! 🙂
This probably isn’t the place, but I’ll go into a few.
For clothing and shoes there are a lot of great tall women’s fashion blogs. If Alicia at tallswag can rock rack outfits there just aren’t excuses for most of us. My two big tips are to find pieces that will last a long time and get them altered by a good tailor. A good tailor can be one of your best friends. I take mine chocolates to keep her happy. The benefit of doing this is you begin to find your own style when you are careful about what you buy.
If you cook a lot you can have legs put on your cutting board to take it to a more appropriate height. A wood shop can do this for you and I have a link somewhere to information on how to figure out the right height. If you are having a kitchen built or remodeled you can have raised everything put in for very little cost. The same for bathrooms.
Speaking of bathrooms get one of those shower heads on a flexible hose. If you like there are cheap mounts you can mount high in the shower so you don’t have to always hold it.
I don’t drive, but there are lots of lists of tall friendly cars and used cars. I do ride a bike and a good bike shop can usually find a model to fit. I ride a lot and one of my bikes is made to my measurements.
I fly a lot and use seatguru to find the better seats. If the flight isn’t full you can usually be friendly with the gate agent on some airlines. I’m usually wearing my trainers and tell them something like “look – I’m not even wearing heels. Can you help me find a little room?” When I’m flying on business I have it worked out with my employer that I can get extended seating on flights over an hour. There are medical issues with having your legs locked and bringing a note from my doctor made a big difference.
There are lots of other tricks, but I’ll stop here. As for dealing with people I try to remember that I’ve seen people their size a lot, but they rarely see a woman my height and some of them have to be curious. What helped me was to make a game of saying something to them, usually something complementary, before they could get something out. Wearing a T with your height on it can help and you can be funny .. one of mine says “I know what you want to ask … Yes, this is my natural hair color…” People are a lot better when they discover you’re just a person rather than some alien – even the guys.
Remember always – your height is a special gift. It took me a few years to figure out how to go from frustrated to ok to happy to proud. There are a lot of tall women who will cheer for you.
Of course this is the place ! 😉
Hey Jessica 🙂
I couldn’t agree more with Dee.
I feel anger in your message, or at least a very strong lassitude.
Yes, people are annoying, and indelicate. And as you say and as I said it in my “I’m tall… now what” post, they wouldn’t dare to tell what they tell us to a fat or ugly person, whatever that means. But that’s only because they think being ugly or fat is a problem, while they think being tall is not. It’s in your mind and your life that being tall can be an issue. You are the one who had to endure stupid comments through all your life and you are the one who needs to learn to just let go the anger that grew out of it and make room for some self-love.
You can’t change people. Most people don’t think even for a second before they speak. And many of those who do, well they simply don’t care. They’d rather say something they think is veeeery funny to make people laugh instead of just shutting it not to hurt somebody else’s feelings.
But you cannot live your life according to them can you ? Are you really going to spend your whole life being angry at people you don’t even know ? People you’ll probably never see again ? People who don’t matter in your own life ?
All the comics I create illustrate things I’ve been through, but although my Tall N Curly character gets angry a lot, in the real life I would never let such negative emotions fill my mind, heart and body just because some stranger said something stupid. I got only one life to live and I plan to be happy while I’m living it. I also plan to be healthy, and negative emotions are bad for the mind and for the body.
You cannot let complete strangers have such a strong impact over you. This is you, this is who you are. Who the hell CARES what other people think or say ? You will still be you tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after. You will be waking up every morning with yourself. You should make yourself your best friend, and like you would with your best friend, you should love her for who she is and stand up for her.
I think it is sad that you let the door open for such things, not realizing how unimportant all of this is, how small a moment like this is compared to the life you have to live. Words have an impact on you only if you let them. People can hurt you only if you let them. You’re the captain of your own ship. Don’t let it drown or drift over such futilities.
You say you would trade with short people. This is sad too. I used to think that way when I was younger. Today, even if God Himself knocked at my door and asked me “I can make you average or short, what do you say ?” I would say HELL NO. How could I want to get rid of a part of ME ?
As for heels, if you felt good about yourself and embraced who you are, you wouldn’t think of them as something that will make things worse. You would think of it as something that will emphasizes your uniqueness and beauty.
I already wrote that, I don’t remember where, but there is a huge difference between the days where I wear heels and days where I don’t.
I will still hear comments here and there, but again I don’t even hear these anymore. The thing is, on days when I wear heels, most people won’t dare telling me anything. Those who would maybe have said something just pass beside me and don’t even dare looking at me, only because a tall girl wearing heels sends out this message : I’m tall and I feel good about it. Just like anyone who is not trying to hide in life and stands tall and proud.
You’ll notice people who get annoying comments are usually the ones trying to hide, those who don’t feel confident. That’s because people always take advantage of others’ weaknesses. Other people’s weaknesses are an opportunity for anyone who wants it to gain power. A weakness is like a target anyone who is either mean or insecure (generally both) will aim at.
Emphasizing who you are, standing tall and proud, you leave no target available for anyone. They know you’re solid, they know you’re free. Attacking or making fun of someone who is free is very complicated. And when you’re free, you don’t care anyway, so 😉
I have had a lot of comments about being tall but this was an original…My cousin is 5’8 and I am 6’1 and a half. A male friend of hers took us out while we she and I were visiting a neighboring state. Her friend was around 5’6 or so. She and I had on heels. After a fun evening, the 3 of us are walking and enjoying the summer air…then he says “I feel like I have ‘security’ with me”. I am thinking…did he just say what I think he said? I stop stare and have invisible lasers piercing through him…We are ladies! Attractive young ladies…not big burly men. All because we were/are taller than him… Of course he was oblivious and I don’t even think he was joking..
Although I could’ve had jokes for years about things regarding his stature (I.e. his shorts looked like Capri pants) I remained calm but I sure was not a fan of him after that! Lol Security..seriously?
I’m the shortest in my family at 5’9, and I married up (he’s 6’6). I have two stories, the first happened when I was sixteen. My best friend is 4’8, and we were shopping after school one day in a little boutique. The sales lady came over and asked in a harsh tone, “Does her mother know you take her out shopping while you’re babysitting?”
The second happened a couple years ago while I was shopping for some new heels to wear to a friend’s wedding. I reached up for this lovely pair of size eleven Steve Madden’s and another hand, with perfectly manicured nails reached over at the same time. I looked over and saw a very attractive gentleman, who had better hair and makeup then I will ever have. I let him have the shoes, they looked better on him.
This is my first comment on here & I’m coming out of the shadows only to say that I would love, Love, LOVE to see both of these as comics! Oh the hilarity!
Hi Tall ‘n’ curly,
HELP!!!
Hair colour disaster!
I’m tall (5ft91/2) and curly and beetroot red now!
I have naturally curly, blonde, dry hair which is prone to frizzing at the slightest hint of rain.
I often get free cuts/ colours as a hair model, and hadn’t had my ends cut for about 6 months (too busy / broke with uni studies, go to the stage I couldn’t get my hands through all the knots / split ends), so I had to go to a hairdresser in my parents town for a cut / colour.
I went from a natural dark blonde with slight hints of the last red colour dye (semi-permanent) from 8 months ago, to a horrible orange roots with brown ends… uuggghhh… I had to go back to the hair dresser the next day to have the colour fixed, so she put in a stronger Red with colour boost in permanent…. UUUGGGHHHH!!! I give up. Hoping some home remedy helps calm it down (apple cider vinegar??).
At least my layers are cut healthy again!
Oh, and did I mention I just had a major knee reconstruction so am staying at my parents home in a tiny Country Victoria (Aus) town, on crutches with a huge leg brace… with bright red curly hair… I can’t hide even if i wanted to! 8/
*pics are available… HAHA
*I love your cartoon. My best friend Marsha is from the Caribbean, so I’ve asked all of the dumb white girl questions about sew-ins, extensions, etc… We are the same hight, and are total opposites! When we go out clubbing we really stand out – she is dark, booty-lisious and struts her stuff in huge heels, I’m very very pale, freckles, not as curvy and walk like a newborn giraffe in heels!! But she has told me I’m a black gurl stuck in a white body, I know how to dance! 😉
Felicity x
I am 6’1.5″. My husband is just under 6 feet so he rounds up and prefers if I round down. He grew up being the freakishly tall one in his family so isn’t used to being short. My father is 6’5″ and likes to introduce my sister and I as his little girls. As a young teen I didn’t embrace my height, until my ballet teacher pulled me aside and showed me in the mirror the difference between walking tall and walking short. Walking short didn’t make me invisible – in fact it made me funny looking and more noticeable! And I have red hair – bright red – the orange kind. I can’t be invisible. I wore it short for a few years until someone pointed out that with my pasty white skin I looked like a bloody q-tip. Anyway, I learned early on I can’t be invisible so I must wear the body God gave me.
So, my 2nd funniest tall story (because my funniest one involves being called a transvestite and that has been told already). I was managing a fast food restaurant and wore mens leather shoes, because I needed black leather shoes and who is going to pay good money for size ladies 12 shoes to wear in a fast food restaurant? One day I was in the washroom and there was a lady in the next stall beside me who didn’t see me come in. Shortly after I got comfortable and shut and locked the stall door she ran out. I finished my business went out and a staff member met me saying a customer wanted to speak to the manager. I went out and a distraught woman told me that there was a man in the ladies’ washroom! I laughed and said “That was me!” She was distraught and said, “No, no, I looked under the stall wall and there were big men’s shoes!” I stuck my leg out from behind the counter and said, “These ones?” She looked down, then back to my face and without saying another word ran out.
OK, one more. Not really a story. When I was 12 my feet hit size 12. They stayed there – which is great for buying shoes. When I was a young girl one of the put downs was “Act your age not your shoe size”. So that was fun at age 12. My daughter is 11 and her feet are size 10 ladies – she is hoping they hit 11 before she turns 12 so she can say that her age and shoe size match.
Thanks for the blog. I grew up in a small town and have never had a close friend as tall as me. It’s nice to compare notes and similarities. It always startles me when I meet a woman taller than me.
Being in high school with curly hair and tall is like being famous lol. I used to wear my hair everyday in a sock bun or a protective style not showing my curly hair. So one day my best friend said I should wear my hair down for once and me being super nice said yes -.- well the next day as soon as I stepped on campus all eyes on me. Which was great until everyone wanted to touch it and I’m like no that causes frizziness. The they ask what I’m mixed with and how did my hair get like that and is that natural ? Is that a perm? Is that a weave ? And when I got in class I sat in the front even though when I sat down I still was tall so being tall when I sit and having big curly hair was not the best idea sitting in the from anywho as soon as class got started students were like ” excuse me teacher can I move seats I can’t see behind Lynessa. I love her hair but I can’t see” -.- so the next day I went back to my protective styles and now since I’m out of school I wear my hair down and I really don’t care cause I love my curly hair and how big it is 🙂 ^.^