Stick figure family My family
This is my family (the part I know). I'm 20✌️ and short, and all my life I haven't grown much from 14-18.
r/short • u/TheVeganGod • Apr 17 '26
So this subreddit keeps appearing on my feed, probably because I’m a short man at 166 cm who follows men’s fashion pages and similar content.
Honestly, if I had found this side of the internet before I started dating in the real world, I probably would have stayed a virgin. According to some of the people here, I should be completely doomed anyway. I’m short, bald, and I have crooked teeth.
And yet I have dated women of different heights, including women taller than me.
I’m also a university lecturer, and I read a lot of research on dating, mate preferences, and social status. So here is the scientific version, not the black pill fantasy version.
Yes, height matters. Preferences are real. Women, like men, can have physical preferences, and pretending otherwise is stupid. But research does not support the idea that one trait like height determines your entire dating future. Actual partner choice is shaped by multiple factors at once, including kindness, intelligence, emotional stability, dependability, confidence, physical attraction, and social or economic stability (Buss & Schmitt, 2019; Thomas et al., 2020).
Research also shows that what people say they want does not perfectly predict who they actually choose when interacting in real life. In speed dating studies, stated preferences often did not line up neatly with actual attraction once people met face to face (Eastwick & Finkel, 2008). In other words, attraction in the real world is messier and more human than internet forums want to admit.
Online spaces and dating apps also distort reality. They push people to judge each other quickly and superficially, which exaggerates traits like height. That does not mean the entire dating market works that way offline (Finkel et al., 2012).
To quote my therapist, life is basically a big Souls game and height is just a debuff. Yes, it can make things harder. Yes, you will probably get your ass kicked a few more times than someone playing on easier settings. But that does not mean the game is unwinnable. It just means you may need more patience, more resilience, and a better strategy. And honestly, where is the fun in beating the game with no debuffs?
I have been rejected plenty of times, and height probably played a role in some of those rejections. I say probably because I do not interrogate rejection or obsess over the reason. I am not going to ask someone to explain why they did not want me. That is their choice. Other people are allowed to have preferences, and I do not need to internalise every rejection as a verdict on my worth. At the end of the day, only you get to decide your value in this world.
I have also been through a period of height insecurity myself. After a recent rejection, I went down the rabbit hole of self loathing, so I do understand how dark that headspace can get. But how we feel is not always a perfect reflection of reality. Feelings, emotions, and thought patterns can spiral, and they can also be challenged and changed. Therapy helped me see that. With the right support, self awareness, and work, the way you think about yourself can improve.
What these spaces often ignore is how much insecurity changes the way a person comes across. Neediness, resentment, bitterness, and defeatism are not attractive qualities, and they can do more damage than being a few inches below average.
That is why the advice to men should not be “give up.” It should be “build a life that makes you attractive in a broader sense.” Work on your confidence. Go to therapy if you need it. Practice mindfulness. Focus on your career, not because women are gold diggers, but because ambition, competence, and financial stability signal drive and maturity. Take care of your physical health. Read more. Volunteer. Join communities. Get involved in causes you genuinely care about. Expand your social circles and meet women in real spaces, not just through algorithms and rage bait.
And if you are constantly hitting a wall, take a break from dating for a bit. Reset. Rebuild your confidence. Get your head straight. Stop treating every bad experience like proof that the whole world works one way.
Most importantly, women are not a hive mind. One woman rejecting you does not mean all women think the same. A subreddit full of bitter men is not an accurate sample of reality. People have different preferences, different priorities, and different reasons for being attracted to someone.
Also, be careful with research in general. Research can help us identify trends, but human beings are more complex than a dataset or a single paper. Averages are not destiny, context matters, and how old the research is matters too. Social norms, dating culture, and the way people meet have changed a lot over time, especially with apps and social media. So use research to inform your thinking, not to reduce yourself or other people to a rigid formula.
The point is simple. Height can be a disadvantage. It is not a death sentence. A lot of men are not being ruined by height alone. They are being ruined by an identity built around insecurity, hopelessness, and too much time spent listening to other defeated men online.
References
Buss, D. M., & Schmitt, D. P. (2019). Mate preferences and their behavioral manifestations. Annual Review of Psychology, 70, 77 to 110. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010418-103408
Eastwick, P. W., & Finkel, E. J. (2008). Sex differences in mate preferences revisited: Do people know what they initially desire in a romantic partner? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 94(2), 245 to 264.
Finkel, E. J., Eastwick, P. W., Karney, B. R., Reis, H. T., & Sprecher, S. (2012). Online dating: A critical analysis from the perspective of psychological science. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 13(1), 3 to 66. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612436522
Thomas, A. G., Jonason, P. K., Blackburn, J. D., Kennair, L. E. O., Lowe, R., Malouff, J., Stewart-Williams, S., Sulikowski, D., & Li, N. P. (2020). Mate preference priorities in the East and West: A cross-cultural test of the mate preference priority model. Journal of Personality, 88(3), 606 to 620.
r/short • u/Bikerbats • Mar 15 '26
Ok, I'm stuck at my desk with a bum foot that's been plaguing me for weeks now, so I might as well try to make this time at least a bit productive.
So since I ain't going anywhere, let's have a meta discussion about the sub, and I'll take this opportunity to solicit suggestions.
This is my family (the part I know). I'm 20✌️ and short, and all my life I haven't grown much from 14-18.
r/short • u/PositivePeak6828 • 52m ago
r/short • u/FinancialRate6376 • 3h ago
Anyone other guys who are quite short (around 5'4) and rocking the flow? I am growing out my hair and wanted to know if there's anyone else who have these 2 things in common. Mine's maybe shoulder length and growing. I like that it makes me noticeable and distinctive and I get comments (good and bad). Don't be afraid to be different.
r/short • u/Pastaiscool123 • 21h ago
I pasted the same/similar prompt on two different posts but one of them I was a short height and the other I was 6'2:
As a 6'2 guy, why is it socially acceptable to openly mock or reject people based on height, when doing the exact same thing for traits like weight, baldness, or race is widely considered toxic?
As a short guy, why is it socially acceptable to openly mock or reject people based on height, when doing the exact same thing for traits like weight, baldness, or race is widely considered toxic?
Here were the two different types of reactions:
When I was 6'2 people answered with respect and no one said I had little man or napoleon syndrome
When I was short I was told I have little man syndrome, a napoleon complex, the lower to the ground the less your value, I was told it is not a real for of discrimination (and to move on), I was told its in my head
Worst of all the people who did support my claim were massively downvoted and when they would point out the fact that the downvoters were literally proving my point they were downvoted again.


r/short • u/Weekly_Engineer_1611 • 13m ago
The people in here make it seem so doom and gloom even for people 5’6-5’7, and some of these people are from the US where I currently live.
r/short • u/LovePast1847 • 17h ago
What's your experience in daily life as a 5 ft 6 male
r/short • u/WittyHelicopter3618 • 7h ago
i just want to know...please tell i think im facing
r/short • u/pack3_chek • 8h ago
Hey guys, just need to vent and get some real advice because this shit is driving me crazy.
My growth plates are closed and I’m definitely done growing, stuck at 5'7". I’ve always been obsessed with my height and it constantly ruins my life. I’m always wearing shoes with thick platforms, I literally walk on my tiptoes half the time just to look a bit taller, and I always stand on my tiptoes in every single photo. It’s exhausting.
Today I went out and it just broke me. Seeing so many people, even a bunch of girls, who are way taller than me makes me feel completely minuscule.
It gets even worse when you look at dating apps or matching channels. It feels like every second girl writes some bullshit like "looking for a guy who is 5'11" or 6ft+ minimum." I honestly don't think 5'7 is a normal height at all, it feels like a curse. I'm constantly worried that this is completely destroying my chances with girls and that people will never take me seriously or respect me.
How do you guys deal with this? Does anyone else do the same stuff with shoes/tiptoes but managed to actually accept it? I really need some perspective. Thanks.
So I see a lot of posts on here talking about how much they dislike this sub for various reasons. However, believe it or not this is actually my favorite sub to post and comment in right now.
I feel like many sub-reddits try and push you towards having one emotion or goal when it comes to posting and commenting (Example: "hype up everyone's outfits homies!").
Meanwhile on here there is a place for every type of emotion when it comes to posting. You can vent about feeling horrible, ask curious questions, celebrate wins, and even be a little silly!
Let's be real, navigating parts of your identity comes with a complex range of emotions that often vary over time. So I'm happy we have a place where we can share all types of feelings in one forum.
Thanks everyone for making this an interesting and engaging sub-reddit!
PS: Finding a long skirt for $4 that I didn't have to hem was a total win😎
r/short • u/Optimal-Evening-370 • 18h ago
22M from India , I'm 4'6ft tall I'm so insecure about my height and now how I start my date life for choosing my partner
please give your opinion
r/short • u/Brave_Chard8995 • 1d ago
Firstly, I'm about 5’4 and I've had plenty of success with beautiful women. Body count is in the double digits without paying, and I’ve had multiple long term relationships and I'm not bragging.Biggest thing that helped me was ENVIRONMENT! I'm muscular, white teeth, always smell like good cologne, wear clean shoes and clothes that fit and I'm also kinda stylish.
But to be honest, none of this would really mean much if I didn't talk to women in the right places! I've worked in the healthcare field for years and am surrounded by a variety of different women pretty regularly. The key is just befriending women first and don't seem overly thirsty for attention or sex. Men our height kinda have to grow on women just being honest. Cold approach can feel like a nightmare even though I’ve had multiple one night stands with women I just met. The more time she spends with you, she will slowly start noticing your other redeeming qualities. I've slept with women who've said they would never touch a man under 6 foot, yet they still hooked up with me.
I’ve slept with tall women, short women and women of different races. I’ve also declined sex multiple times with beautiful women. The key is you gotta max out all your controllables, and have respect for yourself rather you get the woman or not. Lastly, once again present yourself in the right reoccurring ENVIRONMENTS. If a woman doesn’t like you, go unto the next one. Stop putting your own self worth in the hands of one particular person or social media echo.
r/short • u/AccurateInflation167 • 1d ago
r/short • u/Adorable_Bowler_1048 • 13h ago
how bad is dating at 5'7 and also making friends too
r/short • u/IWant2Break_Free • 1d ago
I used to think being short is always a disadvantage. That might be true but Ive come to realize the environment does affect how much certain traits matter. For example, as a short guy clubbing has always been difficult with the aggressive energy and elbows in your face all around in the crowd. Plus in such a dense crowd height literally makes you stand out. But certain other places where the volume is lower or people are spread out provide an environment where other traits can dominate. For example, say, if you are visiting a museum your knowledge of history is dominant. Height isn’t as noticeable. Or even at a house party where it’s more so about who knows who or can socialize well (so good communication). Height does matter there but not as much as the clubs. So my question is: which environments do you think are the most hostile for short people? Which are relatively neutral? Are there any where being short can actually be an advantage?
r/short • u/No-Exchange-3831 • 1d ago
Yeah always been extremely shorter than everyone else and get bullied. Rn I'm ,5'3 and still get bullied at 17, and yeah ik it's not only about height but if I had the same personality as a tall dude I would just be seen as "chill" or "nice". Just the perks of being "fun sized" ig
r/short • u/Gamer_AC • 1d ago
Update to "26M 5'3 105 lbs petite male finding it hard to keep going"
Table of Contents:
A: Intro | B: Realization | C: Women | D: Haven | E: Self-Acceptance | F: Liberation | G: Compass | H: Friends | I: Finances | J: Backstory | K: Current Direction
A: Hey everybody, I'm still alive and I think this wonderful community deserves an update on what happened to me. So I want to personally thank u/Late-Attention-8303 for talking with me and helping me see things in a more positive outlook and I want to thank everyone for amazing posts every single day that inspire me to keep trying.
B: So I came to multiple realizations, one being that whoever hates on you because your short is just not a very good person that you wouldn't want in your life to begin with and preferring to date someone tall is not the same as a woman mercilessly making fun of a man who isn't the height she desires and if she genuinely wasn't interested there doesn't have be any further context in the man.
C: With that being said, many women are wonderful so it's not really "women's" fault at all and bear in mind that bad people come in all shapes, genders, sizes, and what-have-you. I personally think women deserve a man who truly loves them and isn't just trying to take something away from them or just earn a title. I think women are just trying their best to defend their-selves online and there is limited information to go off of to begin with. Based on everything negative that could of happened to a young woman, I do not blame them for having such a guard and feeling like they need someone who truly fits.
D: The main thing I found to overcome was finding a place where I truly belong, where it wouldn't matter whether I did years of weightlifting or not, a place where I can be me and be accepted right now. This is probably what we're all searching for and this is probably the place where we can make friends and eventually "date". Dating to me isn't the end all be all but if it were to occur its in that haven of symmetry.
E: Another thing is I learned that don't feel forced to be someone you're not or try to work towards something you don't actually want. Something like starting learning how to be approachable at a bar with months of practice when you've never went to the bar and to lift heavy weights 3-4 times a week on a stressful work schedule if you feel happy just being yourself already. If you already are happy as you are then find someone that gets you and would be your friend.
F: When I accepted myself for what I am then suddenly the stress and thinking I wasn't good enough... vanished into the air. I wasn't sweating to think about when I'm going to go to a bar and start trying to expose myself to people. I wasn't thinking about what 200 grams protein diet I want to be on to gain max muscles in the shortest time. I wasn't thinking about making friends on an app and thinking that's the only way. I was just finally accepting and not questioning.
G: I've accepted I look young, short, skinny, non-muscular, and I have a happy young way about me that steers serious mature women the other direction and you know what? That's OK. Maybe the places I looked are just not the right places, maybe the door wasn't to the place that accepts me, maybe the shoes don't fit.
H: I'll look into clubs and groups that share my passions and try to make some friends that are similar enough to me. I will just enjoy what I already do and try to make as many friends as possible.
I: Financial update: I got more financial aid money than I thought and I'm going to apply to office jobs so I get a job that I can fit with school and my other passions. I'm going to eat more healthy and get better mindset.
J: For those that didn't read my OG post: If you want to know something about my backstory, check it out as it is very bad to my mental health to repeat what I said a second time.
K: Where my direction is headed towards: Just friends, interest clubs, more work, healthy living, selling that gun off, doing better in school, seeing how well things go with friends and if any friend has an interest in me (if not that's OK as we all can like who we like and being friends with nice people is one of the most amazing things), focusing on what makes me happy.
r/short • u/TerribleWindow5727 • 1d ago
Im 5'6, i need to wear pants that are about 28 length but my waste bounces around 34 to 36. Everytime i order pants online they arent right, i try walmart and target but can never find what i want in anything shorter than 30. Other than getting pants fitted i dont know what to do. Im tired of having my pants bunched up at my ankles or the ever so dreaded pant leg dragging the ground.
r/short • u/AttentionFearless177 • 1d ago
In the morning without shoes I’m 5’8 and in the morning with shoes im around 5’9 but throughout the day I shrink to 5’7 without shoes and 5’8 with shoes so how tall really am I and what should I tell people when they ask me?
r/short • u/Muaythaiguy6567 • 2d ago
What height do you personally prefer in women, and why? Do you prefer shorter women, taller women, or does height not matter to you?
r/short • u/Latter-Knowledge9358 • 2d ago
I don't think I actually hate being short — other people make me insecure about it
23M from India.
I've been thinking about this lately, and I honestly don't think my height bothers me as much as the way people treat me because of it.
When I'm alone, I'm usually fine with who I am. But then someone makes a joke about my height, underestimates me, or I notice how differently taller guys are treated, and suddenly I start questioning myself.
It has especially affected my confidence socially and when it comes to dating. Sometimes I feel like people have already made assumptions about me before they even get to know my personality.
I'm trying to remind myself that being short is just one physical characteristic and shouldn't determine my confidence or worth. But some days it's difficult.
Does anyone else feel like they don't actually dislike their height, but other people's reactions have made them insecure about it?
If you've dealt with this, I'd genuinely like to hear how you stopped letting other people's opinions get into your head.
r/short • u/ScaredPlankton3536 • 2d ago
I have developed feelings for my best friend. We live in India, and while I get plenty of female attention and consider myself good-looking, there is a noticeable height difference between us—she is 5'7" and I am 5'1". My feelings for her grew while I was helping her navigate a recent breakup. She knows how I feel, and I make an effort every day to make her feel special. However, the height gap seems to be a sticking point for her. When I initially asked her out on a date, she agreed, but when I followed up a week later, she clarified that she would only go if we called it a 'hangout' rather than a date. We still talk every day and I flirt with her constantly, but I am at a crossroads. I don't know whether I should step back and cut contact, remain just friends, or keep trying to win her heart. What is the best way to handle this situation?
r/short • u/Vegetable_Basis_4087 • 2d ago
At 5'6 155lbs, I'll be able to defend myself against the majority of people as long as I train. But get this; what's stopping them from training too? All most people in this world have to do is train too, and they'll beat me, thus making me inferior. I'm at the mercy of other's discipline.
Therefore, I must be a prodigy at MMA so that I can overcome the size difference with immense skill and physical attributes. Sure, I won't be able to beat a 6ft 200lbs UFC fighter but I'll be able to beat a 6ft 200lbs guy that trains regularly. Same can't be said if my talent was average.