Im around 5'2. I've had both really good times and really bad times as a short guy. The worst was being called a hobbit at a conference. But at this point in my life I'm used to it, have accepted it for what it is, and just hope people don't care. Most don't, and I've never even thought I could be making less because I am short.
I'd say the most depressing and demoralizing part of being short is how negatively it impacts my dating opportunities. I feel incredibly handicapped and prefiltered out for something I simply can't change.
I feel like I straddle the line, I am a bit shorter than the average height for a male worldwide, but a couple inches shorter than the average American (and Americans do seem to love rubbing it in).
When I was younger I was really bothered by the gatekeeping people do with regards to height and dating. I felt myself disadvantaged for something that didn't make any sense. I wasn't unhappy with my height, we're not gladiators, and many of the most desirable men on TV aren't that tall. So what gives?
Now at days I see it as more of a blessing, if someone would not date another human being they'd otherwise find attractive based solely on height then perhaps that person and I would not get along. I will admit that I only came to that realization slowly, it took women my height anf taller taking interest in me a few times for me to really believe that wasn't a position I had to take out of convenience. That there are many people who don't see a persons height by itself as a turn on or turn off.
For what it's worth, my partner is just a hair shorter than I am and quite a bit taller than the average American woman.
If you're looking for an actual partner this filter might be a good thing. Some tall guys deliberately omit their height from dating profiles for this reason.
Also short here. Over the years I have been getting used to it and other more important things took my mind eventually. The most uncomfortable period was my teenage and early 20s. After that everything is OK.
I met Prince. He had no trouble getting dates. I did notice the attractive woman he was with at the time was about his height.
One tall woman I knew complained about the same thing - in reverse. She was maybe 5'10" or 11" and always complained that guys wanted short women. I was confused because she was tall and very attractive. I think she had just psyched herself out.
