The Tall Girl Struggle

4 topics every tall girl understands

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Tall Girls and Running

As a 5'10 woman, I use my long strides to my competitive advantage. I am not implying someone shorter than I cannot be an incredible runner. The Jamaican Olympic finalist Schillonie Calvert has a height of 4'10. What makes someone a "runner" is their persistence and perseverance. I ran cross-country and track for over six years. What I learned is that practice is the only way to build stamina. My high-school coach was the most dedicated runner I know; he would wake up every day at 5:00 am for a 6-mile run and still train our team later in the day. Easy practices consisted of 3 miles, while brutal ones were 12-mile hills. Reflecting, I never would have thought I could run half a marathon. Little by little, my endurance grew; every step became easier and easier. The more you persevere, the stronger your body becomes. With sneakers and a motivating playlist, you can run anywhere. While living in Athens, I would run by the Parthenon, Rivera, Plaka, and anywhere else my sneakers would take me. The feeling was exhilarating. I was sightseeing, exercising, and listening to music all at once. I am a runner, and I love it.

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FIND Your Angle

You need to know your body. Some curves are worth emphasizing, and others are not. The camera is not always your friend, do not beat yourself up over a picture where your legs look more prominent, arms look wider, and cellulite is noticeable. It is the angle of your photo. Learn to readjust and work your body. I have learned I have long legs but a small waist and bust. When taking a picture, I emphasize my legs over my chest. In some photos, I look like a giant. Literally, my head aligns with the trees, and people around me look like ants. Do not take your picture too low because your height will be supersized.

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The Secret About Tall Boots

Tall boots are my outfit outlet. They are the perfect winter piece: comfortable, stylish, and easy to wear. All of these things are very true. I can wear my tall boots to work but also when running errands. The versatility of tall boots is not the secret. Tall boots hide my awkwardly short pants- that is my secret. These pants of mine are not the cute ankle-length height you can pair with booties or sneakers. They are an inch above that attractive ankle height. Not a very pretty picture.You can safely assume tall boots account for 90% of my winter shoes.

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Train Your Family Members To Take Good Pictures

My brothers hate it. I mean really hate it. They held grudges about taking my pictures. All 5 (including Dude) plotted against me. They gave me a "one-photo" rule. With no heads up, they would take my picture, no retakes allowed. The problem was all 5 brothers were in agreement with this horrible rule. When one brother took my photo, I used my photo privilege for all 5 brothers. We made a truce. I am entitled to 3 pictures upon request. Here is the trick. You need to find the right camera position. Once you find your angle, prop your camera in that exact position and do not move it. Transfer the photo authority to your family member. Make sure they do not readjust the camera to get comfortable. It will be like you are taking your own picture. This video is proof.

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Dating As a Tall Girl

The average male height is 5'9 (176 cm), and the average female height is 5'3 world wide (129 cm). As a woman taller than the word average for both males and females, the odds of meeting a male taller than me are not in my favor. Of the men taller than 5'10, how many are handsome, fit, intelligent, kind, driven, Greek orthodox, and funny? My percentage of meeting an eligible bachelor is probably .5%. Do not let others tell you that you are too picky. If you don't feel a connection, do not force it. Learn to love being single. Discover your hobbies and passions. Focus on your career path and discover what empowers you. Know your likes and dislikes. I have learned that I love to exercise, read, write letters, and research. Above all, I have discovered I am the most people person I know. I am in constant communication with friends in the US and Greece. My point in saying this know yourself first. When the time is right, you will meet the right person.

Why do I have a picture of myself, Pretzel, and a glass of wine? Pretzel was a prominent aspect of my dating life. While in college in Athens, Greece, my Dad and I bought the cutest, smartest, and craziest Hungarian pug, Pretzel. When my dad left Athens, it was just Pretzel and me. She learned to sit and rollover in one day. She was and is my most immense pride and joy. As Pretzel's mother, I knew what separation anxiety meant. I was always terrified that something would happen to her. I visited the vet so often that he started giving me discounts on her visits. The real dilemma was, what should I do with Pretzel when I had a date? I brought her with me. She was small enough to fit in my purse. Upon meeting my date, I would pull Pretzel out of my bag and say, "I hope you don't mind I brought her." After the initial shock, we had to find a bar/restaurant that allowed dogs-this took about 30 minutes. When I had to go to the bathroom, I would hand Pretzel over to my date. Please ask me if I ever went on a second date with any of these bachelors.