“I've never been married, though I was engaged once back in college ...but that ended back in 2001. I'll be completing my masters Dec. 2008. While I'd like to complete my ten years where I'm working at now (after I graduate it'll only be 2.5 years left)... for the right guy, I'd be willing to move before then.”
“I like to think of myself as mellow and friendly. I have solid priorities but respect people of all backgrounds. I've always been proud of the fact that I count among my friends conservatives, liberals, republicans, democrats. The variety can be a little challenging but also extremely rewearding. I feel very blessed!”
“A curious introvert. I've been around the world on mission trips and for work, but most weekends I prefer to sit home with my cats, a cup of coffee and a good book. I've worked as an Interpreter for the deaf in public schools, a robotics programmer, and a janitor. I absolutely hated English in school but now I write (one book of poetry finished and one fantasy novel looking for a publisher/agent.) I'm not good at creating art but I do appreciate it.”
If you look at the couples around you, you find that most men are taller than their women. This isn’t just a coincidence, nor it is it as simple as taller is better, although the research does show some preference for taller men. What’s interesting is how women use height in gauging their attraction for men.
If you look at the couples around you, you find that most men are taller than their women. This isn’t just a coincidence, nor it is it as simple as taller is better, although the research does show some preference for taller men. What’s interesting is how women use height in gauging their attraction for men. It turns out that height, like many other factors, depends on the individual – their own physical characteristics and what they’re looking for in a mate.
Why taller men?
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Let’s first start with the tendency for women to prefer taller men since this idea is a common expectation. With men being taller on average compared to women, you might expect that most women would end up with taller men just by chance. However, researchers found that of the 720 couples in their study, only one was comprised of a taller woman and a shorter man (Gillis & Avis, 1980). This was a far smaller percentage than expected by chance, showing that there is some selective preference for taller men.
It is also noted that height is a “masculine” characteristic. Taller men may be seen as more dominant and assertive (Melamed, 1992). In evolutionary terms, a larger man may have been able to provide more protection to their offspring, have greater genetic qualities to pass on to their future children, and thus may be awarded with greater social status. In line with this idea that height is an indicator of good evolutionary success, researchers found that taller men were more likely to have at least one biological child compared to shorter men (Pawlowski, Dunbar, & Lipowicz, 2000).
Culture also plays a big part in what we like and what is valued in society. Women may learn to value men who are rewarded in society. For example, taller men may be seen as more powerful and attractive, so women who are with taller men benefit by attaining a higher social status. In addition, if height signals physical dominance, it is likely that taller men make women feel smaller, protected, and perhaps more “feminine” as well. In line with this idea, research has found that women with more “traditional” gender role expectations were less willing to date shorter men (Salska, et al., 2008).
I have a hard time understanding why something so natural as attracting a mate seems simple in animals, but so complicated in humans. Why do we have to be so picky? He's too short. She's too tall. Too fat, too skinny, she's crosseyed, he's bowlegged. Give me a break. Discrimination is alive and kicking in our society, but I think it's time to put it in it's place--- buried. The problem with all this is that people who don't pass the physical appearance test go dateless, and mateless. This is sad. So many great guys and girls out there rejected because of their genes. I agree with the posters who said personality, and a kind heart should be the main criteria to look for. I know looks attract,but what happens to the ones who don't look like supermodels or star athletes?
Interesting point of view. You know a kind heart might be the most rare thing in a person today. As for the taller thing....yes women usually want a taller guy, but not always.
You have an extremely mature and really good-natured attitude..I have to tell you, your height absolutely would not get in my way. I have dated men who are your height more than once!
Good luck- I hope you find a woman who truly appreciates you!
:D
I am a male who stands at about 5'2 & 1/2" or 5'3" and although most women have been quite vocal about their preference for taller guys or tall guys in general (did you see the 20/20 episode that aired in 1996 - it's brutal), it is not an impossible dream for a short guy to find a partner. If a woman's sole reason for not wanting to go on a date with me is because I am not much taller than 5', well that's the brakes. That's the way the cookie crumbles.
I have three stories I'd like to share:
1.) Last year a woman responded to an ad I posted and left really flirty remarks. She liked the photos I sent to her and then started making naughty comments. I am not crazy about the naughty comments, but it was going well otherwise. She asked what my height was and I told her and she never responded. She just disappeared. Then about two months later, I posted another ad, with completely different photos and she replied to it - again in a flirty kind of way. I indicated that we were e-mailing back and forth weeks ago and once I told her my height she disappeared. Needless to say, she disappeared once again. Who knows what she was thinking then (aside from oops). One could say some women are just not attracted to shorter guys, but in this case, this woman was attracted to a shorter guy (she responded to two different ads from the same guy after rejecting him initially).
2.) One time I used an online service that did not allow searching based on height, weight and body type and I liked that so I signed up. This site informed members of ad hits (browsing) in addition to new messages, etc. The site later allowed searching with height preferences and my hits went down immediately (it still did not allow users to search based on weight and body type). I went from a few hits a day with the old model to a couple a week with the new search option. When a woman would search 5'9" and up or 6'0" and up, my ad would be filtered-out so barely anyone was seeing it anymore. I did not renew my membership. There was no reason to do so. Next-to-no one was seeing my profile due to the new search filter.
3.) I went to a speed dating party a few years back and had one "date" that went well. The woman said I was interesting and wanted to see me again. When our time ended, we both stood up to say goodbye and she gave me this shocked look - she was slightly taller than I. She didn't out "yes" by her name on her card. So much for wanting to see me again.
Instead of complaining, I just decided to immerse myself in hobbies ... many many many hobbies.
To me, height is so superficial a factor.
If I limited my dating candidates to those over a certain height, I'd be looking for guys over 5'10" tall only. There are far more men available when you're open minded, for sure.
A thought on height equals earnings. I realise that there have been retrospective analyses that show if a man exceeds X height, he will be more likely to earn X dollars more a year. These days it seems if you have good training in a demand field, you'll do just fine making money-and staying employed.
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