Navigating Life as a 56 Man: Pros, Cons, and Everything In Between
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall as an adult male in a society obsessed with height often makes you the butt of jokes and dismissal when it comes to dating prospects. Though frustrating and confidence-crushing at times, your smaller stature likely shaped your personality and perspectives in positive ways, too. Beyond the stereotypes, what does science say about the realities of life as a 56 guy?
Fun Fact #1 - 56 Falls Below the Average
With the average American man standing around 5 feet 9 inches tall, hitting a final adult height of 56 means dropping below typical. However, its not extraordinarily short either about 1 in 6 men reach adulthood without breaking the 57 mark.
Given the rapid growth in populations of Asian and Hispanic ethnicities, average heights for U.S. men continue trending a bit lower. So while 56 is on the shorter side, it's far from abnormal.
Fun Fact #2 - Early Puberty Limits Height Potential
Research confirms that early onset puberty often restricts a persons final height potential, especially for boys. Precocious puberty robs critical growing years needed to reach genetic height limits by prematurely fusing growth plates.
If other male family members hit at least 59, rapid developmental timing likely explains landing shy of that mark in adulthood for many 56 men.
Fun Fact #3 - Genes Dictate Nearly 80% of Height
Though diet and environmental factors influence height to some degree, studies peg genetics as responsible for 60-80% of height determination. Unfortunately, picking your parents wisely matters far more than proper nutrition when it comes to reaching 6+ feet.
Blaming your ancestry for coming up short may not help on the basketball court, but its true nonetheless!
Dating Obstacles and Advantages of Measuring 56
Dating often proves frustrating and disadvantageous when a mans height starts with 5 feet - at least by conventional standards. However, not all hope is lost in the world of romance. Standing eye-to-eye with women does have its merits, too.
Fact #4 - Many Women Seek Taller Male Partners
Scientists speculate preferences for men significantly taller than women stem from both social norms and intrinsic drives to seek strong, dominant partners during human evolution. While cultural attitudes have fortunately progressed, many women acknowledge height matters on online dating profiles.
Dont fret too much though. Those who unreasonably discount shorter men likely hold unrealistic perspective about relationships in other ways, too.
Fact #5 - Face to Face Conversation Flows Naturally
Standing nearly eye level with most women simplifies conversation flow. Gazing upward for extended chat strains the neck, while talking downwards feels awkward. Meeting around the 54 average height for U.S. women means you see eye to eye.
This seemingly small factor enhances communication, perceptiveness, and intimacy - huge relationship boosters not just for new couples but long term marital satisfaction as well.
Fact #6 - Short Men May Focus More on Success Traits
Realizing stature sets you back in dating motivates shorter men to develop talents, personality strengths, status, and wealth to compensate, suggests research. Applying extra effort in these attractive arenas pays off intangibly beyond just relationships.
In other words, unfair height bias in dating might spark maximum pursuit of your potential leading to awesome life outcomes.
Health Perks and Pitfalls of Dropping Under 5'7"
Medical data reveals measurable health impacts connected to landing on either side of average height as a man. Gaining or losing a few inches affects risk for various conditions.Fact #7 - Nutrient Needs Adjust Downward Too
With smaller body sizes and muscle mass compared to taller men comes lower caloric requirements. You likely feel satisfied with portion sizes that leave taller friends still feeling hungry.
However, make sure you meet daily nutrition needs for essential vitamins and minerals regardless. Increase nutrient dense foods rather than eating larger portions that boost calories and weight.
Fact #8 - Varicose Veins and Spider Veins Less Likely
Being shorter correlates strongly with lower rates of unsightly vein issues in legs and feet. Scientists think more pressure from average blood volumes within longer legs promotes pooling and protruding vessels over time.
Skipping this pesky issue provides small consolation for short friends teasing you about needing help grabbing items from high shelves!
Fact #9 - Mixed Heart Health Outcomes
Carrying less body weight lowers risks for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes - huge perks for cardiovascular wellness. However, various studies link shorter heights in men independently with higher stroke incidence too.
Maintaining excellent lifestyle habits remains vital either way to overcome any height-related health disadvantages.
Flip the Script - Reframing Social Perceptions
Rising above hurtful short jokes and dismissal requires embracing self confidence along with shifting cultural mindsets. Rather than view height as some superiority factor, celebrate positive attributes not tied to shallow numbers.
Fact #10 - Napoleon Complex is a Myth
Despite popular belief, shorter men demonstrate no greater insecurity or aggressive overcompensation than tall peers. Inferiority complexes stem from toxic messaging, not biology. Call out napoleon complex references as problematic lies.
Fact #11 - Personalities Shine Brighter
Big things come in small packages when less focus goes to appearances. Use humor, compassion, creativity, brains, determination, or optimism to highlight values far outweighing any height flaws.
Fact #12 - Your Best Life Still Awaits
No one destiny hinges on the genetic luck of a few extra inches. Pursue fitness, fashion sense, education, experiences, and relationships with gusto. Soon enough, no one even thinks about your height!
FAQs
Do shorter men live longer than tall men?
Research shows a slight longevity advantage for men of below average height compared to very tall men. However, the difference amounts to less than one year on average.
Can I still grow taller after age 18?
Very rarely. Most male growth plates fuse by age 16. Gaining another inch or two into your early 20s occurs occasionally due to late puberty, but large height increases after 18 are extremely uncommon.
What is the best wardrobe style for a 5’6” man?
Wearing monochromatic colors, small patterns, and horizontally lined styles helps give the illusion of added height. Well-fitted clothes also build proper proportions for your frame size.
Am I too short to play sports?
Not at all! While height proves beneficial for basketball, volleyball, or rowing, it hardly matters in baseball, soccer, hockey, football, wrestling, gymnastics, and many other sports. Let skills determine odds, not measurements.
Will my children also inherit short stature?
Possibly, but not definitely. If the mother is average or tall, kids likely end up averaging both parents' heights. Genetic combinations still allow for variation across siblings too.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment