Always the topic of conversation…
To make up for the totally non tall-related last post I did, I decided to make up for it with this one.
Every tall person has had to deal with people coming up to us asking us questions about our height, telling us about how tall we are and etc. But people don’t seem to stop with just telling us to our faces. They have to tell their friends! They break their necks trying to get a good look at us. Talk about us as we walk by. Get their friend to see this “freak” walking down the street, get a picture of the local giant. It’s like catching a picture of the elusive Bigfoot I guess.
Is this better? Would you rather have them talk about your height to their friends or to your face? There would a lot less wasted time talking to a stranger about how tall you are or how the weather is up here. But my grandmother always said it was rude to whisper about people…
It is very awkward when you walk by someone/a group of people and you can hear them talking about you. “Wow she’s so tall” “OMG look. LOOK!” “How tall is she?!” “Oh my God, she’s HUGE!” I wonder do these people think that because I am higher up I can’t hear them? I think it might be the opposite. I think that because I am higher up I can pick up the frequency a lot better. Sometimes I just want to scream out, “I can hear you! I have ears the same as you do.” But I’m sure I would look like a basket case.
Most of the time though, I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. Maybe these people are just not aware that sound travels. Maybe they don’t think I’m paying attention. I am always paying attention. I think being tall has made me keenly aware of my surroundings. I think all my tall-related experiences have taught me to always stand straighter, taller, to werk it because someone is always watching. I know I’m always going to be the topic of discussion but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Until next time,
Elayna
The Junoesque 
Elayna
I am 6’1″ and have been since I was about 16. i constantly get the full range of comments from strangers – the good, the bad, the creepy and the downright rude. But I too have learnt to stand tall and straight and realise I will always stand out, so make the most of it.
I have two children (17 year old girl my height and a 13 year old boy 6’3″) – when we go places together it is almost a sea of gasps, muttered comments, and a lot of sore necks from strangers spinning back to look up. I have noticed though that my kids have learnt from my approach and amazingly confident and comfortable with their physical presence.
It is a wonderful gift to pass them – height, confidence about it, the ability to walk on – tall and proud, and maybe just the right combination of wit and manners to know when to comment back and when not to.
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Hi Lesa,
I know how you feel when you go out with your tall children. When I go out with my parents (6’1″ and 6’8″) and my sister (6’4″) it’s like people can’t help themselves. My dad actually enjoys the reaction. He said that once when we were walking out of a restaurant someone actually stopped eating, fork to their mouth, to look at us.
It’s something you just have to get used to; it’s a waste of time to always get upset about it. Most of the time it is pretty entertaining to see the “normal folk” reactions.
It’s beautiful to see tall, confident people who are proud of who they are. Kudos on passing that on to your children.
Elayna
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This is all so unbearably true! I have learnt that this won’t ever stop. People will always be people. Haven’t learnt to straighten up yet, trying to be invisible. It almost works 😉
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Why would you want to be invisible? Life’s too short to try to hide and not appreciate how beautiful you are. You are special, unique and one of a kind and you should be proud of it. Yes it is sometimes difficult being different but I would much rather stand out then to be just like everyone else. So head up, shoulders back girl and own all of who you are. 🙂 I hope this helps you Karolina.
Elayna
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