For a long time, many have believed that being tall is better because it leads to better jobs, more romance and popularity. But is that true or just a tall tale?
by David Stone
for Assorted Ideas, Large & Small
In the first place, what does being tall mean?
It’s a genetic trait that leads to a person being significantly taller than average. Though height is often seen as advantageous, there are pros as well as cons.
What qualifies as taller than average?
The average height for men in the United States is about 5 feet 9 inches, so being taller than that would make someone tall. For women, the average height is about 5 feet 4 inches, so being taller than that would make a woman tall. But it’s a matter of degrees. From tallish to Oh, my God!
Some benefits
Studies have shown that taller people often earn more. In fact, for every inch of height, someone stands to earn more in increasing amounts every year.
Quote: “A person who is 5 feet 6 inches making $50,000 per year would expect to make about $2,000 more if they were 5 feet 7 inches, and $4,000 more if they were 5 feet 8 inches.” Forbes: Your height has a big impact on your salary.
This is because being tall is often seen as advantageous in the business world. Tall people are seen as more authoritative and commanding, and this can lead to them to better jobs and earning more money.
But no one is sure why this is so. It may relate to height being associated with physical power, which in history brought leadership and other privileges
Taller people often have better health
Taller people also tend to have better health overall. In 2015, for example, a study found that for every 2.5 inches of height, a person’s heart disease risk declines by 13.5%.
It also reduces your risk of developing diabetes.
The two sides…
On one hand, being taller often gives people an advantage in terms of physical features. Tall people have a better view and find it easier to reach things on high shelves. But they are more likely to suffer back pain. Taller people are also seen as being more confident and successful.
On the other hand, it also has disadvantages. For example, taller people may have trouble finding clothes that fit properly. And at 6 foot 1 1/2 inches, I bump my head in standard kitchens designed for people of average height.
And those of us who look down on others whether we like it or not are at greater risk for cancer and strokes.
Expectations set for taller people often exceed the person’s abilities, leading to disappointment, even when they do well but not well enough.
Looking for love overview
And if you’re looking for love, being tall probably gives you an edge. A 2012 study found that loftier men and women are more likely to be contacted by members of the opposite sex and have more sexual partners.
I have no comment on this.
While this is probably fine with many people, for some it may feel like being pursued for the wrong reasons. Other, deeper or more meaningful attributes may be missed.
But It isn’t all fun and games
There are some clear disadvantages to being on stilts. For one, you’re more likely to suffer from back pain. A study published in the journal Spine found that being more stretched than average leads to increased stress on the lower back and spine.
Tall people sometimes scrunch down for casual conversations or making eye contact. And there’s always the risk of bumping your head where others have no problem moving in, out and around.
Full Disclosure: I’m just under 6 feet 2 inches, and I’ve always thought having my head in the clouds was better. But on the other hand, I’ve never been short; so, my perspective may be a little skewed.
Conclusion
So being tall has its pros and its cons. But if you’re on the taller side, don’t worry; you’re in good company. Some of the most successful people in the world are above average in height, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and, of course, every basketball legend of any period.
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