Tall Girls

The other day, there was a woman in my chair.

I love her dearly.

But man, if this interaction didn’t show what different pages we are still on.

I commented on the picture of her granddaughter she showed me, mentioning that she looks older than 1, because of all of her hair.

She agreed, and went on to say that she’s tall, too- 95th percentile.

My reaction, of course, was, ‘That’s awesome!’

(I have been considered ‘tall-ish’ at many points in my life, and I love it.)

Her response though?

‘No it’s not! How’s she supposed to get a boyfriend?!’

That baby is 1.

So naturally, I simply responded with a ‘So what?! Maybe that isn’t her main goal- to snag a man!’

It was lighthearted, of course. But it got the point across.

I think.

Not even 2, and this baby girl is already facing the patriarchal idea that because she is a tall girl, men won’t be interested in her. (By someone who loves her, very much!)

The problem here lies in the idea that she has been reduced, and made to feel less than--

1.) Reduced simply because of her appearance, based on the typical preference of men.

2.) Reduced to the idea that women’s main goal should be to get a man.

It’s times like this that I realize that I can have my voice heard on important topics. Even in my own little way.

It also makes me thankful for how far we’ve come.

I can honestly say that I’ll never put my girls’ ability to ‘get a boyfriend’ over any other talent, goal, or interest.

Because being an authentic and perfect-as-is girl in this world?

Luxuriously Dope. 🖤