There’s Finally An Answer To Why Men Prefer Short Girls Or Tall Girls
When you’re looking for a woman to date, the list of qualities to consider can seem infinite.
There’s hair color. Skin tone. Style.
Every guy has his own preferences, and these influence whom he dates. But it’s particularly hard to ignore one asset — a woman’s height.
Height is often the first thing you notice about someone when you first meet. You’ll estimate a woman’s height as soon as you approach her.
You’ll notice it when you first make eye contact, you’ll be aware of it the first time you hold her hand, and you’ll certainly pay attention to it the first time you’re in bed together.
Whether you’re into tall women or petite ones, no type is universally superior. That said, it would be wrong to deny that individual guys have their own preferences.
While some dudes might not even include height when considering the qualities they desire in a woman, others put a great deal of emphasis on how their potential partners measure up (pun intended).
If a guy is short and insecure, he may compensate for his height by seeking out a shorter woman.
But if a guy is short and resourceful, he might pursue a taller woman. He might help a woman find her car in a crowded parking lot.
Maybe he’ll offer to reach for the top shelf at Whole Foods. OK, I was kidding there — but, point being, there are pros and cons to a man’s own height in seeking a partner.
If you were wondering why you’ve been singularly attracted to tall or short women in particular, science may reveal the deeper meaning behind your “type.” Here’s what the research has to say.
Choice A: Tall Women
There’s a reason why the world’s finest designers model tall women.
The fashion world sets up tall, slender women as the “ideal” type. In response, women around the world buy high-heeled shoes (and ignore the discomfort) in order to gain a few inches.
Tall women attract attention. When a group of women walk into a bar, most eyes turn immediately to the tallest one in the group — simply because she might be the first face they see.
And when men interact with tall women, as Roger Dobson explains for The Independent, the outcome is generally positive.
According to Dobson, “both men and women judge a tall female on first sight as more intelligent, assertive, independent and ambitious.”
Dobson further explains that men view tall women as being wealthier and more successful.
These initial impressions don’t guarantee a lasting relationship. But they do give tall women a leg up (no pun intended). Although these judgements may seem superficial, I understand where they come from.
Whenever I think of a tall woman, I almost always picture Uma Thurman or Maria Sharapova — tall, blonde, alpha females.
Both happen to be very assertive. And while I wouldn’t expect every tall woman to be as strong-willed as the two I just mentioned, stature can indicate personality.
Dobson explains that men make many conclusions about a woman based on her height.
Psychologists from the Universities of Liverpool and Central Lancashire set out to gain a better understanding of height discrimination, a tendency that has influenced male-male competition since the beginning of human history.
But heightism is not confined to ego battles between men. It also plays a large role in a man’s choice of mate.
In one study, men were asked to judge the characters of women whose pictures had been digitally shortened or lengthened.
These findings served as “the first direct evidence that female height influences perception of their character,” Dr. Simon Chu, who was involved in the study, explained.
Choice B: Short Women
The evidence found in studies of heightism is not entirely in favor of tall women. In fact, it often suggests that men may view shorter women in an equally positive light.
While men might see taller women as more conventionally attractive — and even more intelligent — than shorter women, men find the latter to be “more nurturing and likely to be better mothers.”
According to Dobson, “men believed that shorter women were more considerate, nurturing and homely.”
This conclusion could come an initial belief that short women are not intimidating.
Many shorter men have to conquer the fear of dating women who are taller than they are. Many men might find taller women more imposing — and smaller women more inviting.
In a Daily Mail report, researchers suggest “small women with long legs” are empirically the most attractive “type.”
According to the man behind the claim, Dr. William Brown of Brunel University, “shorter, slimmer females with long slender limbs and larger breasts are more attractive.”
Dr. Brown explains his logic through the concept of body symmetry. Though tall, slim, women may appear thinnest on a runway, it’s the shorter, curvier women who are most symmetrically pleasing.
Ultimately, height is just a number. But your choice of a tall or a short woman could reveal which other qualities attract you.
If you’re a lad who fancies taller women, you might prefer a more independent and assertive companion. If you are a shorter man, you could be seeking out someone more nurturing.
World’s 'deadliest food' kills 200 each year
Cassava roots. Credit / Shutterstock
For most of us, food is about nourishment, taste, and enjoyment. But for millions around the world, a simple meal can turn deadly.
Would you eat something that could kill you? For most people, food is about nourishment but across the world, certain foods come with a real risk of death – yet people continue to eat them. Let’s take a look at 10 of the most dangerous foods on the planet and why people still eat them.
Cyanide-laced staple
Cassava might look like an innocent tuber, but its roots and leaves contain cyanogenic glycosides, which break down into cyanide when consumed raw or improperly processed. This can lead to cyanide poisoning, causing goiters, paralysis, and death.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cassava poisoning kills about 200 people a year, earning the root vegetable the title of “world’s deadliest food.”
Though it’s risky, cassava is a lifeline to over 800 million people in approximately 80 countries, WHO reports. It’s drought-resistant, easy to grow, and provides essential carbohydrates. When processed correctly – soaked, fermented, dried, or boiled – the cyanide levels drop, making it safe to eat. For many, it’s not a choice – it’s a necessity for survival.
Deadly delicacy
The Japanese delicacy fugu is made from pufferfish, which contains a poison that’s “200 times more deadly than cyanide,” BBC reports. “Tetrodotoxin poisoning has been described as “rapid and violent”, first a numbness around the mouth, then paralysis, finally death. The unfortunate diner remains conscious to the end. There is no antidote.”
The Japanese Ministry for Health reports that around 50 people (mostly amateurs and anglers) are poisoned per year with a handful of deaths.
Despite the dangers, In Japan, blowfish is a delicacy, often served as sashimi or in hot pots. Only highly trained and licensed chefs are allowed to prepare it, ensuring that the toxic parts (liver, ovaries, and intestines) are carefully removed. The slight tingling sensation from residual toxins adds to the appeal, making fugu an exhilarating experience for risk-takers.
Hidden Neurotoxin
Starfruit contains neurotoxins that are harmless to most, but deadly for those with kidney disease. In affected individuals, the toxin accumulates, leading to seizures, confusion, and even death. Symptoms can appear within hours, starting with hiccups, vomiting, or weakness.
If your kidneys are healthy, starfruit is completely safe to eat. The fruit, that looks like a yellow five-pointed star, is widely enjoyed for its sweet-tart flavor and high vitamin C content. WebMD explains the fruit is packed with antioxidants, making it a great anti-inflammatory, and potassium, “which lowers your risk of a heart attack or stroke.”
Sweet treats with a deadly core
Cherry pits and apple seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that turns into cyanide when crushed or chewed. In large amounts, this can cause dizziness, nausea, breathing problems, and even death.
While the fruit itself is safe, the pits should never be crushed or consumed. Swallowing a whole cherry pit won’t harm you, but breaking them open releases toxins.
Toxic side dish
When green potatoes are exposed to light, it produces chlorophyll, which is completely harmless. But Healthline warns “it can also encourage the production of certain compounds,” like solanine that “can be toxic to humans in high doses. However, reports of serious illness are rare.”
Eating enough can even lead to paralysis or coma.
But green potatoes are safe if peeled properly. Discard any with a green tinge or sprouting eyes to avoid toxicity.
Nutty by nature
Raw cashews contain urushiol, the same toxin found in poison ivy or poison oak.
“If you were to handle or consume cashews in their raw form, you would likely experience a reaction similar to that caused by poison ivy, such as an itchy and inflamed skin rash that may cause a burning sensation,” Healthline writes.
However, cashews labeled as raw at the grocery store have been shelled and heat-treated to remove any urushiol residue, making them safe.
Note: Mango skin also contains urushiol.
Not worth the trip
Nutmeg is a punchy spice that contains myristicin, a compound that affects the nervous system. In large doses, it can cause hallucinations, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and seizures. Only two teaspoons can trigger severe symptoms that last for days – “though in some cases psychosis has set in for up to six months,” a study claims.
Used in small amounts, nutmeg enhances flavor in desserts and drinks. But excessive consumption turns this holiday spice into a toxic experience.
Fatal fungi
Some wild mushrooms, like the death cap that claimed the life of Pope Clement VII in 1534, contain toxins that cause organ failure and death.
Brittanica explains that only a “few of the 70-80 species of poisonous mushrooms are actually fatal when ingested,” but many “bear an unfortunate resemblance to edible species and are thus especially dangerous.”
You don’t have to avoid all mushrooms! But unless you’re an expert, it’s safer to stick to store-bought mushrooms.
Sweet but deadly
Rhubarb might be a favorite in pies and jams, but did you know that part of this plant is actually toxic? While the stalks are perfectly safe (and delicious), rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, a natural toxin that, in large amounts, can cause kidney failure.
Rhubarb is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but its leaves are best left in the compost pile. Stick to the safe parts, and enjoy this tart treat without the risk!
Deadly beans
Raw kidney beans contain phytohaemagglutinin, a toxin that can cause severe vomiting and stomach cramps. Eating just a handful of undercooked beans can lead to food poisoning.
Boiling kidney beans for at least 10 minutes destroys the toxin, making them safe to eat. However, cooking at low temperatures can make them even more toxic instead of neutralizing the poison so be extra careful when you’re slow simmering your chili.
Have you tried any of these deadly dishes? Let us know about the most dangerous thing you’ve eaten and then share this story so we can hear from others!
