#ShortGirlProblems

The other day I was spending my free time on twitter, as usual, and came across and article on Sugarscape about short girl problems. While I felt it was very good, there was definitely more to be said on the subject. (You can read the article here).

There are many short girls out there, and what we lack in stature we make up in sass. One of my best friends is below 5 foot. She's the only person I know shorter than me, and I also work with her, so this ones for you, because I know you'll relate to this more than anyone else. She is also probably the bossiest person I know, and everyone should be very afraid of her.

In fact, at my workplace we have uncommonly short staff, and unreasonably tall staff. It's one or the other, there are only a few people in between. So to start me off, I'll list work-related issues, and move on to others.

1. Everything is made for giants. (AKA normal sized people)

This is actually also an everyday problem. At work I have issues in working behind the bar because the glasses are too high, as are the bottles of alcohol, as is the actual bar. People cannot see me behind the till and think that nobody is behind the bar.

We also can't reach the top shelf, or even the second to top shelf.

Those bars on the tube? Not a chance in hell.
Most of the time if I'm alone I use props to get things, or run after a tall person and beg them to get it for me.

Image from google.

2. The jokes.

Don't get me started on the jokes. Just think Lord Farqaad from Shrek jokes.

3.When I sit on chairs my feet don't touch the floor.

Or sofas.. or anything. People have laughed.

4. When I'm in town with my boyfriend, sometimes we get weird looks. He's 6 ft.

One time I got ID'd for a 15 film. I was 20. He went in and bought it for me.
Also, yes I do have to get on my tiptoes to kiss him.

5. I look like I'm staring at your boobs. I'm really trying not to, but they're right in my line of vision.

6. Hugs with tall people make you feel even smaller.

Because they can wrap their arms completely around you.
Hugs with more than one person can be claustrophobic.

7. People use your head as an arm rest.

8. I've met 10 year olds who are taller than me.

9. Trying to do things in the house turns into a nightmare.

Because the tall people put things in high places, and cupboards are too tall. This sums it up perfectly too:

Image from google

10. Finding clothes that fit us.Luckily, I don't have to shop in the kids section or on specialist sites, but I know some of us do. But I do have a jeans issue. Even the short jeans are not short enough. A midi dress looks like a long dress on me, and a long shirt is a dress.

11. Driving.
I pretty much have to put my seat all the way forward. In some cars, this is not enough and it requires an extra cushion, or two. Maybe a booster seat. I also have to pump it as high as I can to see over the steering wheel. You have no idea how many comments I get on this. And trying to defrost the car is a nightmare. I cant reach to the middle of my windscreen very well, so use the curb to boost me.

12. Riding a bike.

Cars are not the only mode of transport that cause issues. Recently I went on holiday and stupidly hired a bike. I had to jump on it every time I wanted to ride it because it was too tall, and the seat was the whole way down. I also had to stand on my tiptoes.

This is what happens.
Image from google.

13. When you sit behind someone, you cannot see anything.
Which is why I debate bringing a cushion to the cinema and theatre.

14. Mirrors are usually too high.

Remember when people took mirror selfies? That didn't work out so well.

Have some photographic evidence.

That's not all, but it's as many as I dare to list while still trying not to sound whiny.
There are some great things about being short too, like being able to get people to do things for you, and fitting in smaller spaces.

I hope other small girls agree!

A to Z: Type

I'm talking body type today. Sorry boys, but as I'm a woman I'll be talking more about women body type and body issues, although I do acknowledge that men can also have just as many body woes as women, and are affected by the same debilitating illnesses and embarrassments too.

To start, every person has a body. We're stuck with that body. It is ours. Long or short, large or small, wrinkly or smooth. And each and every one is different. That's what makes us unique (as well as our awe-inspiring personalities and sparkling wit).
But with women we all have body types, be that pear, apple, hourglass, rectangular, triangle, athletic and so on, you will fit into a category. That category is god in the clothes department.
Channel 4 has a wonderful and in depth beauty area that can tell you what your body type is, and what clothes to wear. I would fully recommend it. We also owe it to icons such as Gok Wan and Trinny and Susannah for showing us the way in these areas. Here's the Link. 
(Also, if you haven't seen Gok Wan in anything I suggest you go watch How to Look Good Naked right now)

The thing about our bodies though, is that there's so much to them that people end us disliking parts - or even all - of it.Everyone has things that they're not overly keen on. For me, it's my thighs. they're wobbly and riddled with cellulite and stretch marks. But, it's no big deal. So what if they are? There are plenty of women out there with legs just like mine. Perhaps the only difference between them and me is they know how to flaunt it. Over the years I have become much less conscious of my body, I'm very glad to say. I think teenage angst has a lot to say for itself in the body image department. But once you move away from your teenage fears and get a reality check, that's when your body can be something you start to love and flaunt.

Dove has a great advert that shows what real women look like instead of those ridiculously proportioned models. It's very inspirational. The picture is on the top right. Dove also has a very interesting advert about how you see yourself that I also thought was very moving. Here's the advert.
Dove really does have a wonderful message about real beauty.
Saying this, there are some that disagree with the advert Like This One. But I think that it's true that we are our own worst critics and that if we saw us as the world, or someone we love sees us, we wouldn't be so afraid.

I would love for us all to love our bodies no matter what, but as that's a pretty big ask I'll just ask you to focus on something you really love about yourself. Two things actually. One is a body part or facial feature, the other is a personality trait. Select two things you love about yourself.
Now be proud of them.

I'll share mine of you share yours.


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Mine: My eyes and my weird sense of humour.