Being tall has advantages and disadvantages. I’m 6'4" (193 cm for those of you in Metricland) so have experienced both.
The advantages are often obvious to people who aren’t tall. If you’re in a crowd where large numbers of people are crammed together, tall people get to see more than other people’s backs. In general, tall people make more money than their vertically-challenged peers (or so I’ve read, have not experienced this perk myself). Tall people literally stand out in a crowd, usually a good thing — unless you’re trying to blend into one.
The disadvantages might not be as obvious. Off-the-rack clothing is hard to find. Sure, it can be easily found in a big and tall store, but at significantly higher prices. Flying economy is a tight fit for average-sized people, but a lot less fun if you’re tall. As much as I might love the styling of a 1957 MGB Roadster, I would not be able to get behind the wheel of one. And I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been down in somebody’s basement and banged my head on ductwork or a ceiling beam.
And then there are The Two Questions. Anyone who’s tall has been asked them a gazillion times.
How tall are you?
Do you play basketball?
I have no idea how many times over the years I’ve been asked these two questions. I’ve tended to be a grin and bear it kind of guy, but it does get old.
But years ago I had a friend who wasn’t the grin and bear it type. He was even taller than me, 6'7" (201 cm). He never skipped a beat when responding if asked either of The Two Questions:
"How tall are you?"
"Six foot seven. How much do you weigh?"
"Do you play basketball?"
"No. Do you play miniature golf?"
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