Ah love, it truly knows no race or religion, preference or prejudice, background or bias.
Sure many of us have a ‘type’ but when it comes to finding the one much of that goes out the window.
That said, some recent conversations with my fellow lengthy compatriots of late have been somewhat centred around their preferences for taller or shorter partners.
I figured I’d address some of the common questions and thoughts when it comes to dating a taller partner and help those looking for or in a relationship with a giant to navigate through some of the challenges.
What is my expertise on this matter you ask? Well I’m extremely grateful to have spent the last 9 years in a loving relationship with my wife-to-be. She is a fellow long one, at about 6ft and kindly contributed to this edition. Thanks Lize!
So with that said, here’s 4 key points I wanted to cover.
#1 - How tall is too tall?
Firstly there is clear data that shows that men are perceived as more attractive, achieve higher rates of financial, career and social success, and are seen more favourable the taller they are. What some of you may not know is that beyond about 6’4 this starts to go down when it comes to the attractiveness side of this.
Now personally, the I think it’s a load of bullocks. I have family that are breaching. The 7ft mark with partners under 5ft and they couldn’t be happier or more into each other, so there are definitely exceptions to the rule.
Does it look a little strange? Sure sometimes but since when did the opinions of randoms on the street matter so much to you that you’d jeopardise a potentially lifelong, loving relationship? Go for the person, beyond just their physical attributes and to hell with what others think!
‘But Ben, where is the data!?!?’. Right here my would-be statisticians.
#2 - The Bedroom
One of the wittiest and hilariously wise things I’ve ever heard come from a friends mouth on this, and frankly many other subjects, is this:
‘We only need to be connected at the hips mate’
Nuff said? Probably not but he has a hell of a point. Look if you’re short and your partner is a lot taller from all accounts I’ve heard it can actually be a hell of a lot of fun 😜
Same goes if you’re both tall too. So long as you enjoy yourself does it really matter?
#3 - Travel, head bumps and knee caps
One thing to be acutely aware of when it comes to dating a tall person is travel. If I was to shave my head it would be largely made up of scar tissue thanks to the hundreds of times knocking my head on train hand holds, airplane overhead compartments and car roofs (slow down on speed bumps….please).
If you do date a taller person you also need to consider flights, because you WILL need to get seats with extra legroom. Don’t subject your human ladder to knee cap disintegration and calm cramps so rock hard they could crack diamond. They deserve better.
Having recently travelled through most of South-East Asia, I admit that there are circumstances that just aren’t going to be ideal for your tall companion. Do what you can and where you can give up minor comforts for an extra 2 or 3 inches for them, they will be immensely grateful
#4 - Food, glorious food!
You wouldn’t expect a fully loaded semi-trailer to be able to get far with a 60 litre tank, even if it was full. It can take a lot of gas to keep this engine going and that may not be something you’re prepared for.
I’ve been blessed with an incredibly resilient metabolism which I realise not all of us have but regardless, eating enough calories to keep up normal daily tasks is still significantly more than the average person.
Be prepared for many outings to get large quantities of snacks and meals, and don’t judge the larger intake, you won’t like us when we’re hangry!
Ideally try to steer things to the whole food, healthy side where possible too. It will probably help with the budget as well.
And that’s it! I hope you enjoyed this folks. Apologies it’s a little late out of the gate. I was celebrating a milestone birthday so had to spend time reconnecting some synapses over the weekend.
Next week we’re going to take a look at some health and fitness insight, and the number one issue most Super Tall’s face. Back pain!