Shorties That Came Before Us
After a lot of thought and consideration, Christina and I decided to dedicate this issue to the shorties that came before us. Without these women influencing our lives, we would not be the independent petite chic women that we are today. We caught up with a few of our favorite shorties and got their opinions about being less then 5’4.
EVELYN
Elaine’s Grandma
Shortypantz: What do you think about the term ‘petite’? How does it make you feel?
Evelyn: I don't really think about it since I have matured, but I felt disadvantaged when I was a teen.
Shortypantz: Has being petite influenced your abilities in what you think you can do?
Evelyn: No, I think that I can do anything if I am determined, ability is not about height.
Shortypantz: Do you feel that shorties aren’t taken as serious in the workplace as other taller women?
Evelyn: Yes, at the time I was working, someone always thought I did not have physical strength to do certain jobs ( and it is true)
Shortypantz: What challenges have you had as a petite person?
Evelyn: Reaching things from high shelves, Hanging my coat in standard closets, working in a kitchen with standard height counters and appliances.
Shortypantz: What advice do you have for other short people?
Evelyn: Stand as tall as you can and don't let other put you down. If someone says you are short, ask them what they think you are short of.
Helga
Christina’s Mom
Shortypantz: What do you think about the term ‘petite’? How does it make you feel?
Helga: The term petite has mixed connotations for me. On one hand, “good things come in small packages”, and many of the most valued things in life come in small doses. All females probably enjoy being thought of as “dainty” or perhaps “cute” and petite does invoke those positive images. Most males seem to enjoy the idea of having a physically smaller person to protect. On the other hand, petite is sometimes associated with being the “runt of the litter” and being intrinsically weak and fragile. This is a more negative connotation that implies that a petite person is not capable of being independent and strong. I would like to think that external size has little to do with internal fortitude.
Shortypantz: Has being petite influenced your abilities in what you think you can do?
Helga: I don’t think being petite is a serious limitation. Obviously, I’m not going to qualify as a supermodel because of my 5’1” stature, but I’m not sure that I would want to be one, even if I was six feet tall. If modeling was important to me, I’m sure I could find a niche in the petite market, or “aged gracefully” category. Any limitation that being petite would have on a task that needs to be done can be easily solved with the assistance of a step stool, or a handsome, tall guy.
Shortypantz: Do you feel that shorties aren’t taken as serious in the workplace as other taller women?
Helga: Height is associated with an appearance of power and authority, so I believe that superficially, shorties do have an initial disadvantage in the workplace. However, as we prove that we are strong and capable by our actions, I don’t think anybody is going to hold our height against us over the long term. I also believe that being smarter and more capable than our petite appearance would indicate, can be a good surprise strategy in the workplace.
Shortypantz: What challenges have you had as a petite person?
Helga: As a middle aged person, I would say that one of the challenges I am currently facing is health issues that are related to not taking care of my petite body. I have some muscular skeletal difficulties that probably could have been avoided if I had watched my weight and been more consistent with correct posture and strength training. At this point in time it would be difficult to prove that being petite is the primary source of my health problems, but I am certain that being short has aggravated the stress I have placed on my frame.
Shortypantz: What advice do you have for other short people?
Helga: Embrace your petiteness! Use it to your advantage when you’re in a relationship with a big, strong guy, or when you need assistance reaching something from the top shelf. Take good care of your spiritual, emotional and physical health, because being stronger than you appear to be is a distinct advantage in lots of circumstances.
Minnie Mouse
Friend of Christina & Elaine’s
Shortypantz: What do you think about the term ‘petite’? How does it make you feel?
Minnie: Well, I’ve never really thought that I was petite! I mean Mickey isn’t that much taller than me and we are together all the time! Wait! Now that you mention it, I am a mouse!
Shortypantz: Has being petite influenced your abilities in what you think you can do?
Minnie: Oh No! I can do anything I put my mind to. *giggle* In fact, Mickey and I run a whole theme park!
Shortypantz: Do you feel that shorties aren’t taken as serious in the workplace as other taller women?
Minnie: I think shorties can be taken advantage of but you have to stand up for yourself and be assertive in what you want. *giggle* For example, Donald Duck tried to tell me I was short and couldn’t reach the top shelf once, and I simply told him, ‘Donald, I do not appreciate being treated in that manner’. After that, we were the best of friends.
Shortypantz: What challenges have you had as a petite person?
Minnie: Most definitely clothes have been a problem. I tend to stick with dresses that fit my figure. In fact, I loved the pattern so much, that I’ve had dozens of polka dot dresses made by my seamstress! Polka dots are for every occasion and bows will never go out of style!
Shortypantz: What advice do you have for other short people?
Minnie: Never give up! If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can do whatever you set your heart to! Even if you are the size of a mouse!
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