I never really like highlighting online that I’m short. I suppose more than anything I don’t want it to define me. Yeah, I’m short – about 4ft 10 to be exact. But I’m still a person who is like anyone else, and I can pretty much do the same thing that any tall people can do.

However, that is not the case for me when I’m offline. It surprising how many people do comment on my size and let it define me. I usually respond with a witty comment, ‘oh you know, all good things come in small package’, that kind of thing.

But I’m just girl, like anyone else – but I am just not over 5ft. When I had my latest ‘short’ comments recently, it got me thinking on the advantages and disadvantages of being short and the peril I face every day being 4ft10.

Advantages

I get away with murder – all I have to do is smile sweetly, and I’m off the hook. (Not really and no I don’t really commit murder.)

Being short reduce the risk of cancer, So I have been told.

I look younger than my age. People are really surprised that I’m in my 30s.

I don’t have a problem with legs room on a crowded train or bus. I just sit crossed-legged.

The ‘mind your head’ sign doesn’t bother me.

I can sit in the luggage’s part of a train if it crowded and there nowhere to sit.

I can get lost in a crowd of people.

I can buy cheaper shoes.

I also can shop in the petite section of stores.

You usually get push to the front at a conference as people realise that you won’t be able to see from the back. (On that note, I went to a Ricky Martin concert when I was younger, and yes, I was at the back of the concert and couldn’t see the entire show as everyone was standing and blocking my view.)

Disadvantages

Going to a concert or festival is a big no-no as you usually can’t see a thing.

I often can’t reach the top shelves at a supermarket and always have to ask someone available for help.

My small statue mean I have to wear children shoes – so buying size two shoes is a pain!

Maxi dress is another big no-no as usually they are too long for me. However, midi dress on me can look like a maxi dress.

I always have to resize my trousers to fit me.

Sun glare is a real problem during the summer month.

Gaining weight makes you look like a squash jelly babies.

Some rides at theme parks are off limit to due height restriction.

Wearing high heels is a disaster just waiting to happen.

Having people using you as a PLP – public leaning post.

For any short people, what are your advantages and disadvantages of being short? What kind of problems do you face on a daily basis?