For years, society has molded relationships around an unspoken rule that our love interest’s height should conform to specific standards. From movies to dating app filters, this stereotype has shaped how the world views relationships. Love isn’t about height, though, so when it doesn’t fit the tape, is that a bad thing?
In a poll sent by The Prowler to students, it was obvious that height preferences are still a common factor considered when looking for relationships, with 79.2% of respondents admitting that they consider height. While the majority of students had a slight preference for the height of their partner, many said it wouldn’t be a dealbreaker depending on the person.
It’s important to stay open-minded and be willing to look beyond physical attributes. Deep connections are built on personality and love, not how tall someone is. If people cling to these stereotypes too much, then they may overlook an incredible person that they would genuinely be happy with.
From The Prowler’s data, 85% of students believe that society pressures couples with height differences, whether it be on gender height roles or the intensity of a height gap.
Our culture has linked male height to masculinity and power, creating unfair standards and feelings. Height doesn’t define your masculinity or femininity by looking bigger or smaller when compared to your partner.
These beliefs can create an environment where individuals feel trapped by the norm, thinking they are either too short or too tall. This mindset is unfair, as people can’t control their height. Humans seem to find flaws in everything, and we shouldn’t let this affect us.
Even couples that fit in the “norm” of males being taller get bashed on, if the height difference is large. This is a stupid judgment, for love comes from within, and many couples embrace their height differences. We should refrain from making assumptions or holding strong opinions on others’ relationships based on appearances. Love doesn’t follow a rule book.
Nearly all the responses from the prior poll indicated a desire for the girl to be shorter than the man. While it is completely fine to have personal preferences, there shouldn’t be a right or wrong height dynamic.
It is uncommon to see women taller than the male in relationships. When this occurs, the dynamic is often met with confusion and external judgment because it challenges traditional gender roles. Height doesn’t play any part in the feelings and “roles” of a couple. These rare situations should be embraced and celebrated, for they indicate the love they have for each other despite what the world says they should look like.
The influence of social media and expectations promotes the idea of the “perfect couple” by certain traits. This fosters insecurity in oneself if they don’t check the boxes. It makes people feel like they need to conform to certain standards. Love is an emotion and no one should feel like they can’t find romance unless they are a certain height. Not only do these stereotypes lead to judgment and close-mindedness, but they also create feelings of hopelessness and pressure about something you can’t control.
I am against specific height stereotypes. I believe if you love someone, you love them, and their physical appearance shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Their personality and compatibility are what matters most. Somebody’s soulmate may be right in front of their eyes, but they never give them a chance because they’re blinded by a height bias. Height differences are an endearing part of a relationship and should be supported, rather than discouraged.
