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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mair on January 16, 2002, at 17:29:26
In reply to Re: Your Height » IsoM, posted by janejj on January 16, 2002, at 15:48:02
> Jane - you need to go hang around a typical high school, because I think the general population is getting taller. I'm 5'8" and have been since about 8th grade. I used to feel very tall although I was never the tallest. Now I look at lots of women and young girls who are taller, and are extremely attractive because of the way they carry themselves. Also, I've noticed that while in my class in high school there were maybe 3 or 4 girls as tall or taller than me, my 16 year old son's class seems to be filled with girls 5'7 or taller, and even my daughter's 8th grade class has quite a few. I do have to admit, though it's tough to gage true height anymore since kids wear such high heels. In my opinion they all look stunning, and obviously they're not self conscious about height.
Mair
Posted by Greg A. on January 16, 2002, at 18:04:08
In reply to height and weight, posted by janejj on January 16, 2002, at 15:13:53
Jane , My 14 year old daughter is 5'9"!! I think you are average height.
Greg
Posted by Noa on January 16, 2002, at 18:49:48
In reply to Re: height and weight, posted by Greg A. on January 16, 2002, at 18:04:08
The others have said some of what I was thinking. While 5'7" is tall, it is not unusually so at all. In my mother's generation, yes (she's 75). In my generation (40's), 5'7" was considered tall, but not very tall. Nowadays, there are so many young women who are much taller than that that 5'7" seems not very tall at all.
I really don't think the weight thing would make a difference. You are not heavy anyway.
What kinds of messages did you get growing up about your height? How tall is/was your mother? Any other females in the family? What about males?
I am the shortest in my family (or was, as my mom has shrunk a whole lot due to osteoporosis). I'm under 5'3", while my mom was 5'7" and my sister is 5'6". My two brothers are over 6' tall. I always felt like the shrimp and would wish to be taller. If only to not need help reaching high things, or to be able to keep up when we were walking (my brother and I once measured our gaits by counting steps for a measured distance--I had to take two steps for his one). I was always taking running steps to catch up to everyone! (How's that for a metaphor?!)
I agree--maybe in that little boy's world, the women are short. Maybe height awareness is where he was developmentally on that particular day--suddenly cognitively ready to notice who is tall and who is short. Like when kids suddenly realize that people have different religions or races and go around pointing out the differences in sometimes embarrassing ways (for the parents). Maybe you just happened to intersect with his world when he was in that moment of his newfound awareness of height differences among adults.
The real issue, I think, is that you aren't comfortable with how you fit in. Maybe a trip to Scandinavia would help??? But seriously, how we see ourselves is the key and that can change with help.
Posted by Dinah on January 16, 2002, at 19:46:13
In reply to height and weight, posted by janejj on January 16, 2002, at 15:13:53
I am 5' 6 3/4" myself, and I have never really considered myself all that tall. Although when I'm around petite women I've always felt a bit like a great lumbering ox, even when I was thin. Of course, I'm awfully clumsy and was always knocking into them.
But I've got to tell you I really envy your weight. I haven't been that slim since before giving birth, before depression, and before Luvox.
Stand straight, wear heels, and feel confident. You're just fine the way you are.
Dinah
Posted by susan C on January 16, 2002, at 20:21:13
In reply to Re: height and weight » janejj, posted by Dinah on January 16, 2002, at 19:46:13
average inseam has not changed
mouse with odds and ends
Posted by IsoM on January 16, 2002, at 20:57:54
In reply to person in charge of usa military uniforms says:, posted by susan C on January 16, 2002, at 20:21:13
Are we the odds, mouse? And if we are, who are the ends?
> average inseam has not changed
>
> mouse with odds and ends
>
>
Posted by susan C on January 16, 2002, at 21:05:33
In reply to Re: odds and ends: » susan C, posted by IsoM on January 16, 2002, at 20:57:54
Posted by Katey on January 16, 2002, at 21:39:35
In reply to Re: height and weight, posted by Noa on January 16, 2002, at 18:49:48
Posted by ST on January 17, 2002, at 1:23:51
In reply to height and weight, posted by janejj on January 16, 2002, at 15:13:53
Hi Jane,
I'm almost 6' and I love being tall. I didn't always, but when I became an adult I realized it was an attractive quality. 5'7" is almost in the tall range but isn't short, so basically you're just right! 133-137 is the right weight to be for your size (I checked it on a height/weight calculator) so you need to think about your self image. Have you ever taken a dance class? Being able to move my body and being more graceful makes me feel not as lumbering.
This is weird - I've always dated men who were shorter than I am, ie: 5'2", 5'6" etc. Now I have a boyfriend who is 6'8" and I feel petite!
Sarah
> Something that has been bugging me for a while is my weight. I'm 5'7 and have always felt that I tower over other people and I feel terribly self concious about it. I tell myself that if I were just slimmer then there would be less of me and then i wouldn't stick out so much. A child walked past me with his mom the other day and said 'that lady is really tall' and I just felt like such a freak. I weigh 133-136 pounds. Do you think if I just lost 10 more pounds i would be a little more inconspicuos (sp?) ? What do you think when you see a tall girl ???
>
> This sounds so insecure, but I guess i am!!
>
> jane
Posted by Krazy Kat on January 18, 2002, at 9:50:22
In reply to Re: Your Height, posted by susan C on January 16, 2002, at 17:05:56
5'7 3/4" - always wanted to be 5'8". I lied when I modeled.
Bracelet length sleeves and high water pants for me, too.
Posted by kiddo on January 18, 2002, at 10:22:22
In reply to height and weight, posted by janejj on January 16, 2002, at 15:13:53
I'm 5'4" & weigh 118. My daughter is 9 and already reaches my chin weighing 98. I think pretty soon I'll be looking up to her-literally. I feel short compared to everyone else here. I am still teased about my height, now they have to be nice about it though, or I'll chop 'em one, hehe
Hiiiiii yyyaahhhh (easier to yell than to spell)
maybe I should change my name to karate kid, hehe (took that before Tae Kwon Do)
Karate Kiddo
> Something that has been bugging me for a while is my weight. I'm 5'7 and have always felt that I tower over other people and I feel terribly self concious about it. I tell myself that if I were just slimmer then there would be less of me and then i wouldn't stick out so much. A child walked past me with his mom the other day and said 'that lady is really tall' and I just felt like such a freak. I weigh 133-136 pounds. Do you think if I just lost 10 more pounds i would be a little more inconspicuos (sp?) ? What do you think when you see a tall girl ???
>
> This sounds so insecure, but I guess i am!!
>
> jane
Posted by janejj on January 18, 2002, at 12:23:46
In reply to Re: height and weight, posted by kiddo on January 18, 2002, at 10:22:22
Thanks for all your replies, they have made me feel so much better about myself in the last few days!! Thankyou !!!!!!! You guys are fantastic.
Jane
ps I'm going to copy your replies into my computer so that I can look at them when I'm feeling down about this subject again!
Posted by noa on January 18, 2002, at 12:25:58
In reply to Re: Your Height » susan C, posted by Krazy Kat on January 18, 2002, at 9:50:22
> Bracelet length sleeves and high water pants for me, too.I'm a heavy 5'3", and until very recently there were NO manufacturers who made large size clothing for short women. Most of it is still for the over 5'7" crowd, I think, while the petite sizes are geared for the slender. Very frustrating. Some things could be shortened but others just could never fit right. So, I was limited in clothing or just wore stuff that looked frumpy on me--imagine necklines too plunging and shoulder seams at mid upper arm,let alone breast darts at the waist!
Luckily, lately there are a few manufacturers who make, and a few stores that carry, petite larges. It is such a pleasure to be able to buy a suit! To be able to be picky enough with slacks to just ignore anything that would have to be hemmed! To not look like I'm a kid playing dress up in some grown-up's clothes!
The selection isn't that wide yet, but it is sure a whole lot better than it used to be.
Posted by Krazy Kat on January 18, 2002, at 14:07:46
In reply to Re: Your Height, posted by noa on January 18, 2002, at 12:25:58
Noa:
I never thought of this! I'm glad you're finding some good clothes now. I have thought about the fact that sizes in general force us to be certain shapes - and we're all so different! Maybe it's worth it to save up and have clothes made or tailored. Is that even done anymore?
I have always felt like a "freak" because my limbs are so long. I figured folks just assumed I had no idea how to choose clothes (not that I do :)).
- KK
Posted by caroline on January 19, 2002, at 11:57:28
In reply to height and weight, posted by janejj on January 16, 2002, at 15:13:53
Hi,
When I see a girl taller than me - I'm 5'5" - I feel jealous, envious. Immediately buy myself a pair of higher heels from the nearest shoe shop!
Really!
Best, Caroline
Posted by medlib on January 19, 2002, at 13:50:30
In reply to height and weight, posted by janejj on January 16, 2002, at 15:13:53
> Something that has been bugging me for a while is my weight. I'm 5'7 and have always felt that I tower over other people and I feel terribly self concious about it.
-------------------------------------------------Hi Jane--
Do you live on the east coast? It's the only place in the US that I can envision 5'7" ever being considered tall (except, perhaps, the Asian or Hispanic communities on the west coast).
Although the term "tall" is defined by statistical averaging, *perceived* height is influenced primarily by context and, to a lesser degree, by age, ethnicity and height-to-weight ratio. "Tall" is weakly associated with youth, northern European ethnic background and greater height/weight ratio. Thus, very thin people are estimated to be taller than their actual height; heavier-than-average people are seen as shorter than they are.
Also, as absurd as it sounds now, I remember studies from long ago that asserted that people tended to view taller people as more intelligent; and they were more willing to accept leadership and authority from a taller person than from a shorter peer. Maybe, these attitudes partially explain why "thin" is "in". (Hopefully, such prejudices have weakened over time as racial stereotypes have.)
I'll conclude (finally!) with 2 largely irrelevant facts and an opinion.
--Most modeling agencies require applicants to be at least 5'9", and we're a model-obsessed society.
--A clothing truism: the more expensive the garments, the more generous the sizing.
--I've found that most insecurities are based on erroneous assumptions. However, knowing this does not make them go away--emotion always overrules logic.As always, more than you wanted to know from an intellectual junk collector---medlib
P.S. My daughter is 5'9"+ and my son, over 6'. Neither are considered particularly tall in Texas.
Posted by sid on January 19, 2002, at 14:39:34
In reply to height and weight, posted by janejj on January 16, 2002, at 15:13:53
I think : lucky her !
I wish I was taller. I'm 5'5", which is not short, but I'd rather be tall than short. I don't think you should lose weight, sounds to me like you're at a healthy equilibrium, and you should stay there unless there is some medical reason.> Something that has been bugging me for a while is my weight. I'm 5'7 and have always felt that I tower over other people and I feel terribly self concious about it. I tell myself that if I were just slimmer then there would be less of me and then i wouldn't stick out so much. A child walked past me with his mom the other day and said 'that lady is really tall' and I just felt like such a freak. I weigh 133-136 pounds. Do you think if I just lost 10 more pounds i would be a little more inconspicuos (sp?) ? What do you think when you see a tall girl ???
>
> This sounds so insecure, but I guess i am!!
>
> jane
Posted by fallensparrow on January 19, 2002, at 14:46:10
In reply to height and weight, posted by janejj on January 16, 2002, at 15:13:53
Honey, let me just tell you, Im a 6'4" girl, who has always been VERY insecure. Im a recovering annorexic ... I have always had a really poor body image because I am so conspicuous. Im doing a lot better now, Ive taken on the if youve got it, flaunt it attitude :P If people stare, most of them are jealous ... being tall is a GIFT!!!
--SParrow--
> Something that has been bugging me for a while is my weight. I'm 5'7 and have always felt that I tower over other people and I feel terribly self concious about it. I tell myself that if I were just slimmer then there would be less of me and then i wouldn't stick out so much. A child walked past me with his mom the other day and said 'that lady is really tall' and I just felt like such a freak. I weigh 133-136 pounds. Do you think if I just lost 10 more pounds i would be a little more inconspicuos (sp?) ? What do you think when you see a tall girl ???
>
> This sounds so insecure, but I guess i am!!
>
> jane
Posted by janejj on January 19, 2002, at 19:26:37
In reply to Re: height and weight » janejj, posted by sid on January 19, 2002, at 14:39:34
Hey Sid,
Perhaps we should swap heights some how, lol!!!
Janejj
I think : lucky her !
> I wish I was taller. I'm 5'5", which is not short, but I'd rather be tall than short. I don't think you should lose weight, sounds to me like you're at a healthy equilibrium, and you should stay there unless there is some medical reason.
>
> > Something that has been bugging me for a while is my weight. I'm 5'7 and have always felt that I tower over other people and I feel terribly self concious about it. I tell myself that if I were just slimmer then there would be less of me and then i wouldn't stick out so much. A child walked past me with his mom the other day and said 'that lady is really tall' and I just felt like such a freak. I weigh 133-136 pounds. Do you think if I just lost 10 more pounds i would be a little more inconspicuos (sp?) ? What do you think when you see a tall girl ???
> >
> > This sounds so insecure, but I guess i am!!
> >
> > jane
Posted by janejj on January 19, 2002, at 19:28:05
In reply to Re: A few useless factoids about height and weight » janejj, posted by medlib on January 19, 2002, at 13:50:30
Hi,Thanks for the info, V. interesting !! So are people shorter on the east coast ???
Regards,
Jane> > Something that has been bugging me for a while is my weight. I'm 5'7 and have always felt that I tower over other people and I feel terribly self concious about it.
> -------------------------------------------------
>
> Hi Jane--
>
> Do you live on the east coast? It's the only place in the US that I can envision 5'7" ever being considered tall (except, perhaps, the Asian or Hispanic communities on the west coast).
>
> Although the term "tall" is defined by statistical averaging, *perceived* height is influenced primarily by context and, to a lesser degree, by age, ethnicity and height-to-weight ratio. "Tall" is weakly associated with youth, northern European ethnic background and greater height/weight ratio. Thus, very thin people are estimated to be taller than their actual height; heavier-than-average people are seen as shorter than they are.
>
> Also, as absurd as it sounds now, I remember studies from long ago that asserted that people tended to view taller people as more intelligent; and they were more willing to accept leadership and authority from a taller person than from a shorter peer. Maybe, these attitudes partially explain why "thin" is "in". (Hopefully, such prejudices have weakened over time as racial stereotypes have.)
>
> I'll conclude (finally!) with 2 largely irrelevant facts and an opinion.
> --Most modeling agencies require applicants to be at least 5'9", and we're a model-obsessed society.
> --A clothing truism: the more expensive the garments, the more generous the sizing.
> --I've found that most insecurities are based on erroneous assumptions. However, knowing this does not make them go away--emotion always overrules logic.
>
> As always, more than you wanted to know from an intellectual junk collector---medlib
>
> P.S. My daughter is 5'9"+ and my son, over 6'. Neither are considered particularly tall in Texas.
Posted by Emme on January 20, 2002, at 8:54:30
In reply to height and weight, posted by janejj on January 16, 2002, at 15:13:53
> Something that has been bugging me for a while is my weight. I'm 5'7 and have always felt that I tower over other people and I feel terribly self concious about it. I tell myself that if I were just slimmer then there would be less of me and then i wouldn't stick out so much. A child walked past me with his mom the other day and said 'that lady is really tall' and I just felt like such a freak. I weigh 133-136 pounds. Do you think if I just lost 10 more pounds i would be a little more inconspicuos (sp?) ? What do you think when you see a tall girl ???
>
> This sounds so insecure, but I guess i am!!
>
> janeHey, I'll bet you look *great*! I don't think of 5'7" as super tall. And I have to admit I'm a little envious. You see I'm only 4'11" and I have always admired the way taller women can carry clothes more gracefully and just generallly look more....well...*present* and grownup. At my size I feel the opposite of you...unnoticeable. And almost childlike. If I shrink with age...I'll disappear! :) And then there's the practical aspects. I can't reach a thing without a stepladder. I can't carry as much as other people and I have to expend twice the energy of taller people when I move or have to cart things around. But hey, this is the body nature gave me and it gets me around well enough. Walk tall and be proud and if people notice you they will probably be admiring you!
Emme
Posted by Krazy Kat on January 20, 2002, at 15:12:36
In reply to Re: A few useless factoids about height and weight » janejj, posted by medlib on January 19, 2002, at 13:50:30
medlib:
Texans are tall in general, aren't they? My Texas father is 6'4".
Great thread - lots of fun.
- KK
Posted by noa on January 21, 2002, at 13:05:04
In reply to Re: A few useless factoids about height and weight » janejj, posted by medlib on January 19, 2002, at 13:50:30
Thanks for the factoids, medlib!
> >people tended to view taller people as more intelligent; and they were more willing to accept leadership and authority from a taller person than from a shorter peer.
This is my perception, too--afterall, isn't it taller men that get the lead romantic hero roles in movies, and elected president, etc.?
Posted by medlib on January 21, 2002, at 21:44:38
In reply to Re: A few useless factoids about height and weight » medlib, posted by noa on January 21, 2002, at 13:05:04
Hi Noa--
Thanks a lot--but, never encourage a collector! It's like the psych patient told his doc, "You know, I *really* love potato pancakes. When the doc mumbled his standard reply, the patient said, "Yes. I love them so much I've got a whole closet full of them!"
It's only as I get older that I realize just how really weird my brother and I were. Genetics is baffling! Both my parents were normally intelligent and socially outgoing. Father was an attorney who was much more interested in civic betterment than in money. They had two complete oddballs; one bipolar genius geek and one Aspergerish dweeb who had to be physically retrieved from her book world to eat and sleep. I thought that, if I just learned enough stuff, I could eventually figure out how to fit in. Since I hadn't a clue what I was missing, I simply input everything I ran across that I didn't know! Now that my short-term memory is only a memory, when I try to remember where I put the shopping list, all I find are heaps of "factoids". (And I'm still no better organized physically than I am mentally.) BTW, I had 2 fairly normal kids, intelligent, but neither geniuses nor basket cases--even with me as their only parent; go figure.
So, about height. The strongest determinant is ethnic heritage. Among Europeans, the cooler the climate, the taller the average height--and vice-versa. Inhabitants (and their descendants) of countries that border the North Sea are tallest; those from countries that border the Mediterranean are shortest. Thus, the large numbers of people of Italian and Hispanic descent who remained on the east coast probably led to a slightly shorter average height there.
Diet runs a strong second in factors influencing height, though. Wider availability of dairy and meat proteins in much of the world has led to increasing height with every generation. Nowhere is this more true than in Japan, an ancient civilization which keeps meticulous records. According to the Japanese, male average height there increased only 8 cm. (about 3+") in the 10,000 years before 1900; but it has grown over 13 cm. since 1900, the majority of that since 1945.
Yeah, *some* Texans are tall, but most of those originally came from England, along with some from Holland and Africa. *Somebody* ate all those cattle! But, the *original* settlers of Texas were Mexican, and Texas now has a Hispanic population second only to California. So, I imagine that Texan average height is not much, if any, above the national average.
Texans have a chance to regain our lead, however. < g > The tallest ethic group in the world are the Dinkas of Sudan. (Women average over 6' and men, almost 7'. (Manute Bol, the tallest-ever NBA player is [was?] Dinkan.) The Dinkas are losing the civil war in Sudan, and many orphans have lived in refuge camps in Kenya for years. Relief agencies have begun sponsoring some for immigration to Texas (similar climate, poor souls). They're called the "Lost Boys", but none is less than 6'2".
Guess that my brother (who is 6'8") is not the only one in our family who never learned to shut up.
Now shutting up (or down?)---medlib
Posted by finelinebob on January 24, 2002, at 22:51:36
In reply to Re: Your Height » janejj, posted by IsoM on January 16, 2002, at 15:33:32
> Maybe the little boy said that because he's small & maybe his Mom isn't a tall person.
I'd have to agree with IsoM here ... after all, "tall" or "short" is a relative thing....
flb
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