Most women are reluctant to date a short man and their reasons are linked to the old adage about the ‘tall, dark and handsome’ stereotype that women use as a benchmark in a partner.
With research and various studies backing the appeal of tall men, it’s not looking good for men who are vertically challenged.
This Monday on Kaya Drive, Sizwe Dhlomo brought up the topic of short men. What are some of the challenges short men face when dating? Why do most women say no to dating a man whose shorter than her?
The team weighed in on the conversation, listen to their views here:
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Mon 16:12:46 to 16:27:28 Kaya 959 95.9
According to a study by Science Direct, on average a woman favours a man who is significantly taller than she is. The preference seems to stem from women viewing taller men as more dominant.
A narrative that may have shaped the culture of dating and societal norms for men to be taller than their partner. The same does not apply to the homosexual community according to the study, with most gay men unphased about physical attributes such as height.
On average most gay men were comfortable with a partner who was at least their height but less than 1% of gay men ranked a man who is taller as a prerequisite when dating.
The reasons for taller men being preferred are stereotypically linked to them being ‘stronger’ because some people equate height to weight and strength. Although this isn’t always the case with tall men who are not muscular in build.
