Being Small Is Getting Me Down, Does Anyone Feel Similar?

[Raidergal2022]

I’m only 5ft tall, far from being young so not going to grow anymore
I guess I hate being viewed as weak by people. It’s evident in the comments they make eg with equipment at work ‘she’s on tiny she can’t lift that’. It happens ALL the time and sometimes I feel a pulsing anger through the day/feel like walking out and wishing that I could fight one of them to prove my strength. At school I used to love winnin arm wrestles lol I used to beat some lads.

Even with patients when I get them out of bed a few have said they don’t feel saggy cause I’m small. I attended a mandatory safety class once at work (for working with offenders) and we were asked who would peopel most likely choose to attack in the room and everyone pointed at me.

The thing is not just the height that gets me down it’s the fact that when I was slightly overweight last year I looked bigger/stronger. Yet when I’m slim and healthy I just look like a tiny midget if you know what I mean. I really want to be a healthy weight as it helps my running but I’m scared of looking even smaller. What can I do though?

Does anyone else experience this?

[Ellipsis]

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to be comfortable with the things about you that you can't change - like your height.

Anybody who mocks you for your height alone is intellectually stunted. Feel sorry for them, don't worry about them.

Learn to enjoy being the size you are and make the most of it. Airline flights, for example - an economy seat is ample!

Also, it would be good for you if you had a supportive partner who loved you just the way you are.

[Ringlet]

I feel your pain, but from the other end of the scale! I am 5 feet 10 inches (female) and people have always assumed that I can cope because I am tall and I look capable.
At school I was picked on for being "large" (ie I was overweight). I am now on the skinny side, and have been for decades, but because of my height I am looked upon as competent and well able to cope, even when I am not.
The only thing that you and I can do is accept ourselves the way we are, ask for help when and if we need it, politely reject help when we don't need it, and not worry what other people think of us.

[Raidergal2022]

Cheeers for the replies they are both helpful

[Khandro]

You're exactly the same height as Dolly Parton, & I love Dolly Parton!

[Raidergal2022]

I just think being this small effects career, the way people perceive you and psychological independence (ie family are always telling me to be careful/that it’s not safe to travel alone etc)

[Ellipsis]

No, it doesn't (unless you want to be a basketball player). It affects you, and you then affect your career, sabotaging yourself.

You need to accept it and be you. Dolly Parton is a great example.

This article is fairly brief but gives lots of other examples:

https://www.jeetly.com/style-advice_successful-petite-business-women_90

[jennyjoan]

I am deaf and it is getting Me down too have one friend who refuses to believe it. Yesterday she rang me on her mob and pu it on loudspeaker. I had great diff in hearing I begged her to turn off loudspeaker she said no so have decided when I see her number I won't be answering any more. So another loss of a friend