If you're a tall individual, chances are you don't think much about the physical limitations facing those who are more vertically challenged.
Everything seems to be within reach and your general surroundings are conveniently designed.
That's not the case for others.
To shed some light on those who don't quite measure up to their taller peers and offer some perspective about their world, Redditor b*tchesloveswords asked:
"Short people, what's something taller people don't understand?"
These carry weight.
I'll Just Leave That There
"Even if the object isn’t that heavy, if my arms can’t wrap comfortable around to hold it, I can’t carry it."
"The overhead visor isn’t going to do anything against the sun."
– Alp Duran
"The overhead visor drives me crazy. I asked for a visor extender for Christmas, and my fiance didn't understand why I needed that. I was like the visor literally does nothing."
– 5FootAndNothing
"Like, a lot of people think that I need help carrying something due to the weight of something. But no, it’s mostly just the awkwardness of the size of the package. Like even a lot of those small generic-sized boxes that Amazon and Target ship to you?"
"Are wide just enough that I literally cannot grip it with one hand. Because the span of my hand grip is too small. Likewise a large box, I may be able to carry it, but I can’t see where it is I’m going while doing so. Yeah, ditto on the sun visor in a lot of cars too."
– SystemSea457
Getting From Point A To Point B
"When hiking with a taller person, why can't you just take one step across a chasm to reach the next place of solid footing."
– OldSuccess9715
"Also, when hiking, I need to walk in front, otherwise all l'll see is their back."
– meekonesfade
They never have the best views.
Downside Of Concerts
"When you’re in a crowd of people, you can’t see a damn thing!"
– Pennyfeather46
"Yep, going to a concert in the crowd is not an option..."
– Independent_Tea_3271
"I’ve basically reached the point in my life where I’ve decided I’m done with live music, and this is one of the biggest (no pun intended) reasons."
"If it’s not a seated event, forget it."
– strawberrylemonapple
View From Down Here
"We see up into your nostrils all the time."
– Rizalwasright
"I'm 6'3 and have big nostrils. This is a legit fear of mine."
– WindJammer27
Be mindful of your surroundings.
Watch Your Back
"We’re at backpack height & it’s going to hit us in the face if you’re not careful."
– micallab
"I apologise for any experience you've had with taller backpack wearers because I've absolutely never thought about this - what makes this worse is I frequently feel infuriated that the spokes of smaller people's umbrellas are always at eye height for me. Backpacks are SO much more common than umbrellas. I'm going to really watch out for this now."
– shipshaped
"And elbows when they reach for their back pockets in a crowded situation- I had so many black eye near misses over the years at concerts."
– Lupa_93
Bet you never thought of these.
Top Shelf
"We don't need ever to clean those top shelves you say are dirty. I don't see them. Thus, they do not exist."
– OUJayhawk36
"I once was asked to clean the tops of the espresso machines at work. Had to get out the small ladder. Was level with multiple colleagues and looked at them and said: so wait you all can see this and just aren’t doing anything about all the dust and spilled beans?"
– cashmeresquirrel
"I was in my 40s before I realized that tall people have been coming into my home seeing the top of my refrigerator all these years. The embarrassment I felt because I'd been using that space as a catch-all for all sorts of random sh*t, not to mention the dust..."
– confused_connection
Decorative Pillows Are Useful
"Most short people can’t sit with their back against the back of a chair or sofa AND have their feet touch the floor. Without a pillow behind them it gets uncomfortable quickly. A lot of guys make fun of all the decorative pillows, but they also serve a function.
– Silly-Resist8306
Cooking Challenge
"Omg when counters are just tall enough that my elbows have to stay up at an awkward angle to chop stuff… least favorite part of being short. But I dont feel comfortable using a knife while on a step stool lol"
– throw_concerned
Let's talk physical.
Change In Weight
"If I gain 5lbs I may need a different size pants. 5lbs is so much to a person with no place to put it."
– centralperk_7
Baggy Is Not An Option
"I'm jealous of the way tall lanky people can wear loose clothing and it looks fine."
"If I wear a shirt thats even slightly too big, I just look chubby. Regular cut jeans make my legs look so stubby."
– williamblair
"This is a big one for me, too. Tall women looks so unbelievably elegant. No matter what they wear they look like elegant ballerina swans, gliding beautifully and elegantly through life. I put on the exact same outfit, even if I get it tailored to my extremely short height, and I look like a little kid dressing up in her beautiful adult sister's or aunt's or mom's clothing."
– ranchojasper
One Size Never "Fits All"
"You can have extremely long arms and legs but if you have a shorter torso than your appendages, it’s the same thing."
"I’ve struggled to find pants that fit me my entire life because of it. Overeating just one meal can also ruin the ridiculous ratio."
– Wecanbuildittogether
Never Assume
"This isn't what I was going to reply, but I'm glad it's the top answer already. I'm 4'11" and people assume my weigh 95 pounds because I'm literally the height of a sixth grader. But I'm a grown woman with boobs and hips and even though I'm thin, I weigh 125 pounds. So many men think that any woman who weighs over 120 pounds is fat regardless of her height. I am a sized two, not even 5 feet tall, and 125 pounds. I gained 5 pounds. I'm a size 6. I lose 5 pounds, I'm a size 0."
– ranchojasper
Forced Exercise
"I have rocked out calves because I go up on tip toes twenty times a day."
"Working on kitchen counters or regular sinks can be really straining."
"That annoying, tip of the fingers making the thing turn around instead of being able to grab it off an upper shelf."
"Climbing up things to get things."
– zardozLateFee
While there are some things we can't do to accommodate our shorter friends, it's a good reminder to be aware of the things that might be inconvenient for them.
Putting yourself in their shoes and being more considerate can go a long way.
