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News & ArtsThursday, September 10, 2009
Science The Weather Down Here Is Bad
Posted by Paul Constant on Thu, Sep 10, 2009 at 1:28 PM
Science says that taller people are happier than shorter people.
Researchers at Princeton University in New Jersey said their study suggests tall people lead happier lives than those of lower stature.
...
They said their findings indicate taller people were more likely to be positive about their lives and describe themselves as happy and were less likely to complain of persistent sadness or physical pain. Meanwhile, men who described their lives as the "worst possible" tended to be more then eight-tenths of an inch shorter than average and women who said the same about their lives tended to be about half an inch shorter than the female average.
Once again, science finally figures out what the arts have known since at least 1977:
3
As a short woman (I call myself 4'9"), I find it hard to believe that short people are less happy. Tall people do make more money (this is documented) so that could make one unhappy. I think it is much harder to be a short man than a short woman. In my case, think of your size as a 5th grader and then think of yourself that size for the rest of your life. It's a challenge.
Always hated the Randy Newman song. Oh, I get that it's satire but when it came out, every yahoo had to sing it to me.
On the upside, I find that the smaller seat area on planes is noticeable and so for a regular sized or tall person, it must be really uncomfortable. Also, short people are "green" - we take up less space.
Always hated the Randy Newman song. Oh, I get that it's satire but when it came out, every yahoo had to sing it to me.
On the upside, I find that the smaller seat area on planes is noticeable and so for a regular sized or tall person, it must be really uncomfortable. Also, short people are "green" - we take up less space.
4
I'm 6' and not really happy or sad about it. But there's no way I will date/fuck anyone who isn't at least 6'2"!
5
I'm right around 6'2" and I'm generally pretty stoked. It's not science, but there you have it. Also, fuck you for learning back in your set so far in front of me!
6
Hmm. I get the male side of it, but short women too? We glamorize tall, willowy supermodels, but I don't think it's common for men to eagerly date women who tower over them (unless, I guess, she's a supermodel).
I know if you're a short woman, you might be teased or have a hard time finding clothes and shoes that fit, but at least you can call yourself "petite." What do diminutive gents do?
I know if you're a short woman, you might be teased or have a hard time finding clothes and shoes that fit, but at least you can call yourself "petite." What do diminutive gents do?
7
An article from RedOrbit IS NOT science. It's tabloid journalism. Thanks for being part of the problem!
8
Paul, you're at least eight-tenths of an inch taller than me. I'm not unhappy*, are you?
* though I am a "miserable git".
* though I am a "miserable git".
9
Shaddup or I'll bite your kneecaps.
My husband always said I looked like a Jack Russell running with a pack of Rottweilers compared to him and his giant sons. I always pointed out that a Jack Russell usually runs the joint, too. Attitude is everything.
My husband always said I looked like a Jack Russell running with a pack of Rottweilers compared to him and his giant sons. I always pointed out that a Jack Russell usually runs the joint, too. Attitude is everything.
10
I have a grudge against short people for trying to make me feel bad about being tall and handsome. I never thought being short was such an issue until women pointed out to me that short guys were just bitter. Now that I know that, and see it myself, I feel happy about being 6’1.
However, shorties have a wicked determination to overcompensate which sometimes, sometimes, leads to cool results.
However, shorties have a wicked determination to overcompensate which sometimes, sometimes, leads to cool results.
11
It's no wonder short men are unhappy. The number of women I've heard that say they will only date men taller than them is ridiculously high. I'm so happy I'm not short.
12
I like being tall and beefy (code for "fat but strong") because I can easily lift most folks, people always seem to be grateful that I can get stuff off the top shelf for them and I seem to intimidate my fair share of people. I think I'd despair if I wasn't as awesome as I currently am.
In fact, daydreaming about being short and rail thin makes me sad. I need a bro hug, Paul.
In fact, daydreaming about being short and rail thin makes me sad. I need a bro hug, Paul.
13
So long as I don't continually bump my head against the doorsill while mulling over that pretty brunette Cornish teacher, I'm happy.
But @11 is probably right.
But @11 is probably right.
15
"Taller" than the average I suppose is what is meant. No numbers were provided in the short article except for the Wiki citation; the US average male being 5'9"+. My happiness is dependent and the tallness of a glass of beer and how full said glass is. I like tall glasses of beer they make me happy.
16
People like tall people better and respect them more. This is known.
It's not terribly surprisingly that that would make someone happier.
It's not terribly surprisingly that that would make someone happier.
17
I didn't give a darn about how tall the men I dated were, personality and sense of humor was way more important. It just so happens, that I married a sweet man that made me laugh, who is 6'6" and thin.
18
"I didn't give a darn about how tall the men I dated were, personality and sense of humor was way more important. It just so happens, that I married a sweet man that made me laugh, who is 6'6" and thin."
It's funny how often things like that "just so happen" though, ain't it?
It's funny how often things like that "just so happen" though, ain't it?
19
Funny, I've always preferred tall men, but ended up marying a man shorter than me. I did not wear heels at the wedding. I'll ask him if he's happy.
21
I used to be bitter, but now it's just funny. It's hilarious to listen to women talk about how they want a smart, funny, well-dressed guy--that would be me--then turn to gelatin the second some tall nothing-personality-can't-dress-himself dolt shows up.
I'm sure it's equally funny for them when I state my supposed preferences, and then my eyes wander the second a well-proportioned figure walks by...
I'm sure it's equally funny for them when I state my supposed preferences, and then my eyes wander the second a well-proportioned figure walks by...
23
Us short fellers are secure in the knowledge that every sweep of the scythe will take out another couple of you tall poppies but leave us well alone.
24
18: 90% of the men I dated were just as tall as me or shorter, but it the one that wanted to marry me was one of the taller ones.
27
@25: aw, shucks. Now if you could just convince her of that. You met me, but you didn't get to see all of my, uh, traits. I know that I'm just one undiscarded biscuit wrapper away from a grisly homicide scene, unless I see her coming; I can still take her, even if she is a little taller than me. I have mass on my side. In other words, I'm taller if we're both lying down!
28
Oh, Fnarf. I don't know how I could possibly be happier than you, even eight tenths of an inch happier.
30
@11: Meh. I know at least one woman who always said that but is now engaged (after four years of living together) to a 5'2" guy. Truth is, most people don't know what they want until they see it.
Not to say that it's not tough on short guys to constantly *hear* that they're less desirable, but that's life.
Not to say that it's not tough on short guys to constantly *hear* that they're less desirable, but that's life.
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