# Ladies - How short is too short? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 30, 2003, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625 "2003-05-30T20:58:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Vlad\_Dracul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/50afbb/32.png) [@Vlad\_Dracul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vlad_Dracul)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/41 "2003-05-31T17:59:53Z")
I wouldn’t put too much stock in that BMI business. According to BMI, for example, most male celebrities and athletes are overweight or obese. I’ve also never seen a BMI calculator that took into account that some people are naturally built on stockier frames than others. Most don’t even make a distinction between men and women. Personally, I’m in the higher half of the “overweight” range, despite the fact that you can see my abs easily and I can do chin-ups with a child hanging onto my back. The ONLY time a woman ever complained about my physique, she said she perferred bulkier men. “Overweight”, indeed! ---
**Author:** ![fizgig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f04885/32.png) [@fizgig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fizgig)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/42 "2003-05-31T18:11:33Z")
I used to be neighbors with a couple in which the woman was about 6’ and her fiance then husband was about 5’4". It wasn’t an issue for them and they were very happy. I think a lot of it has to do with both partners’ egos. Myself, I still have ego issues. I’m almost 5’10", and I don’t really like to feel like a behomoth next to my guy. Because of this, I’d date a guy a couple inches shorter than me if he had a stockier build, but don’t think I’d feel very feminine with a guy of slighter build. In the end, it comes down to chemistry, I think, and part of that is physical whether we like it or not. ---
**Author:** ![TWDuke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e495f1/32.png) [@TWDuke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TWDuke)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/43 "2003-05-31T18:20:31Z")
**Vlad Dracul** , True, BMI has lots of shortcomings; that’s why I said “some” objective meaning. The site I linked to does have different calculators for men and women, and also has some explanation of the uses and shortcomings of BMI and other indices. That site put me in the “normal” range and at the 22nd weight percentile for my height, yet I’m still over my “ideal” weight as determined by a subjective survey. There are always going to be exceptional cases that don’t fit any simple statistical model. Considering If you can see your abs and do chinups with passengers, I’d say you fall outside the normal range. Congratulations. ---
**Author:** ![Mith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Mith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mith)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/44 "2003-05-31T18:25:44Z")
I’m 5’8 and I’ve dated men as short as 5’6. height has nothing to do with a good companion. Women who won’t date shorter men are insecure about how THEY look… not how YOU look. ---
**Author:** ![Nate\_the\_Great](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ea924/32.png) [@Nate\_the\_Great](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nate_the_Great)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/45 "2003-05-31T18:41:55Z")
Count me in as another person who read this thread because he thought it was about penis size. I’m 5’9" and I work part time in a home decor store. I’m the only man employed, so I get subjected to just about every feminine topic of conversation there is. Men: believe it or not, women actually talk about this. It’s surprising how many women are “heightist.” Considering what’s been written so far, we can safely say that for many women, height is not an issue. My question is for those for whom height is definitely a factor: Having established that many women prefer taller men, _why_ is this the case? Are some women less liberated and unconsciously appealing to gender roles? Do women, in this day in age, still want their man to be ‘manly’? Or is it simply a matter of attraction, like some women like men with chest hair and some don’t? So what is it: unconscious gender stereotypes or simply sexual attraction? Or something else? ---
**Author:** ![Nate\_the\_Great](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ea924/32.png) [@Nate\_the\_Great](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nate_the_Great)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/46 "2003-05-31T18:43:53Z")
Also, do any women actually prefer _shorter_ men? ---
**Author:** ![karomon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@karomon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/karomon)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/47 "2003-05-31T18:58:10Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by elmwood \* > \*\*An additional thought … this thread is remarkably flame free. I wonder what would happen if a woman posted this: > > \ ***Men - How large is too large?** > > Alright, I admit it. I’m paranoid. I am 5’6", weigh 150 pounds, and I consider myself just above average weight. Of course, I always find myself attracted to thinner men, and every time I have gone out with a thinner man, he loses interest quickly. > > No more beating around the bush. My question is this: what is your maximum weight for entry on the roller coaster? > > Seriously! Please, don’t tell me that it’s the personality or the sense of humor, or that you don’t like Kate Moss waif-types. Poppykosh! I need honest, dig-deep answers, here! > > What I really want to know is, am I ever going to be some 6-foot tall 180 pound guy’s dream girl? > > Poop on my dreams if you must!!\* \*\* The difference is that weight is often something which can be altered. You can do absolutely nothing to make yourself taller, but you can, in most cases, bulk up or slim down. ---
**Author:** ![severin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb8c5e/32.png) [@severin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/severin)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/48 "2003-05-31T19:20:19Z")
[if you’re a woman, please ignore this \*] I have heard and that’s been confirmed many times that it’s not what women say but the desire behind that. For instance she says “I want a tall, strong man” her desire is to have someone who protects and cares for her. So If you’re able to convey that feeling of protection you don’t have to be 6’10’’. Believe it or not 🙂 [/if you’re a woman, please ignore this \*] - and don’t prove me wrong 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/49 "2003-05-31T19:50:40Z")
Okay, I’ll admit it, I am right around 5’9" and I have dated me who were around 5’8". I prefer men over 6 feet. The tallest i dated was about 6’6" - 6’7". I think it has to do with being one of the “taller” girls in school. I was always tall and skinny and always wanted to be one of te shorter, curvy girls. So now I like men that make me feel that way. Hubby is 6’2". ---
**Author:** ![Lobelia\_Overhill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/54ee81/32.png) [@Lobelia\_Overhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobelia_Overhill)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/50 "2003-05-31T21:43:56Z")
I’m 6’2" and I won’t date a fella who’s less than 6’ tall … ---
**Author:** ![Seldon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seldon)\ **Post date:** [May 31, 2003, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/51 "2003-05-31T23:00:57Z")
I’m 5’4", on the short side for women. There was only one guy that really pursued me who was shorter than I was by a few inches. He was also very skinny. We made out once, and I felt like a child molester (he was my age). I also felt really big and awkard next to him. He was really cool, and I liked to be with him, but there was zero physical attraction after we laid down on the bed and were kissing and I realized my legs were like a whole foot longer than his. Other than this guy, I’ve dated men who were my height and more. Height isn’t an issue as long as I’m not bigger than he is. ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/52 "2003-06-01T02:15:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Nate the Great \* > \*\*Also, do any women actually prefer _shorter_ men? \*\* Shorter than what? Shorter than me? There aren’t that many of them (I’m 5’3") Shorter than average? Oh yes, I mentioned that in the “shallow” thread 🙂 Most of the guys I’ve ever been attracted to have been between 5’6" and 5’9". I definitely prefer guys shorter than the oft lauded 6’. ---
**Author:** ![Stephi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecd19e/32.png) [@Stephi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephi)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/53 "2003-06-01T03:17:52Z")
I’m 5 feet tall, and I have dated men who were 6’4" and I’ve dated men as short as 5’5" So really, I guess what I’m saying is, I’ll give anyone a chance, as long as they’re not a creep. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Stephi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecd19e/32.png) [@Stephi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephi)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/54 "2003-06-01T03:19:52Z")
Here’s a slight hijack - Do some men prefer short girls? I had a couple exes who said they were attracted to “compact” women. ---
**Author:** ![jesleigh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/58f4c7/32.png) [@jesleigh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jesleigh)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/55 "2003-06-01T03:26:06Z")
My grandaddy tells me he finds shorter curvy girls most attracted. I think its just becuase my grandma is though 😉 ---
**Author:** ![severin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb8c5e/32.png) [@severin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/severin)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/56 "2003-06-01T11:39:05Z")
[slight hijack] > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Stephi \* > \*\*Here’s a slight hijack - > > Do some men prefer short girls? I had a couple exes who said they were attracted to “compact” women. \*\* Yea me for instance. I’m 5’10’’ and I prefer short (like 5’3’’) and skinny (not curvy) women. Actually all of my girlfriends have been like this. [/slight hijack] ---
**Author:** ![Rhum\_Runner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rhum\_Runner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhum_Runner)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/57 "2003-06-01T17:48:09Z")
So there is hope for me! Thanks to those of you who answered my selfish question. Personally, I don’t _feel_ tall, though I guess I am. Probably because I am skinny. I do find it a little annoying when I can’t hear someone because they are so much shorter than I am when I am in a noisy place, but I can deal. ---
**Author:** ![Stainless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/278dde/32.png) [@Stainless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stainless)\ **Post date:** [June 1, 2003, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/58 "2003-06-01T18:17:48Z")
> [@](#): > > Seriously though, 5’8" is hardly short. In fact I think that most would consider it the cut off point for being tall. Without being overly snarky, this is utterly ridiculous. I am 5’8" and I guarantee that no one has ever looked at me and thought, “that guy, objectively speaking, is borderline tall.” ---
**Author:** ![SuperNova](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@SuperNova](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuperNova)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2003, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/59 "2003-06-02T01:09:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by elmwood \* > \*\* > Based on my observations, the attraction of a woman towards a man decreases when he is less than four inches taller than her. However, that doesn’t mean a woman who is 5’ would find herself attracted to a guy who is 5’4. Short women I know tend to date very tall men … 6’ and up, IMHO to overcompensate for their height. Short women have told me that they don’t date short men because they don’t want to appear as if they’re part of a “cute little mini-couple.” \*\* So true. My best shorter female friends are like this. One is about 5’ and has never dated anyone under 6’. Another is about 5’1" and has never dated anyone under 6’2". And besides them, I see that tendency in many (not all) shorter girls who I know on a casual basis seem to lean towards taller guys. And as a response to the original OP, my current girlfriend is 5’6" and won’t date anyone under 5’10". That’s her cutoff because she “doesn’t want to date anyone who looks shorter than her when she’s wearing her 4-inch heels.” ---
**Author:** ![lucwarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e19adc/32.png) [@lucwarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lucwarm)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2003, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625/60 "2003-06-02T01:43:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Rhum Runner \* > \*\*So there is hope for me! Thanks to those of you who answered my selfish question. Personally, I don’t _feel_ tall, though I guess I am. Probably because I am skinny. I do find it a little annoying when I can’t hear someone because they are so much shorter than I am when I am in a noisy place, but I can deal. \*\* The truth is that women are much more interested in a man’s income/wealth/potential income than his appearance. Especially after age 22. I used to wonder what the male analog to the miniskirt is, and I do believe it’s a professional degree. Just MHO of course. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-how-short-is-too-short/178625.md?page=4)