DEAR HARRIETTE: I was a relatively tall kid in elementary school, but when I reached a certain age, I stopped growing. I watched all of my peers tower over me while my height seemed to freeze in the seventh grade -- at about 5 feet, 2 inches. I’m so envious of tall women and how noticeable and striking they are when they enter a room. I know that I’ll never have that. I feel as if I’m not taken seriously because of my height. How can I stop feeling bad about my shortness? -- Short Adult
DEAR SHORT ADULT: I will start with a personal story. My maternal grandmother stood a proud 4 feet, 9 inches tall. I am a foot taller than she was, yet she always seemed just as tall -- she had a quiet presence when she entered the room that everyone noticed. I will add that many tall people feel awkward for an opposite reason: They can sometimes feel overly conspicuous among shorter people.
What you must do is look in the mirror and claim your greatness as you are. Look at yourself and notice what is special about you. Really look hard so that you are able to see your strengths. When you walk into a room, walk with the confidence that you deserve to be wherever you are and that your presence is equal to anyone else in the room. Your attitude is everything. If you believe it, others will, too.
People of varying sizes, shapes and heights command space based on who they are from the inside out. Take a moment and notice people around you. Watch them. Pick up on their degree of confidence in relation to how they are perceived and received by others. My observations reveal that people are noticed based on their presence far more than their size.