I’m a big girl. I’m 6′ tall, I have big German bones, and I carry some extra weight. There is nothing about me that is small or petite. I wear a size 11 shoe, size 18 pants (or 20 depending on where I buy them), and I have never been able to just “squeeze through” narrow places like my smaller friends can.
A narrow turnstyle? Forget it. Two people in the middle of an aisle who won’t budge but leave a small area to go around them? Never mind. I’ll just stare at them intensely until they move rather than risk bowling them over like a stampeding rhinoceros.
I’ve had the height requirement for roller coasters covered since I was 6. But at 40, I stay off of them because, while I’m definitely tall enough to ride, the threat of decapitation is very, very real people.
I’m the girl that has to bend her knees to fit into a photo with my friends. The girl who gets stared at for eating more food than her friends (come on girls, I’m twice your size!! I would starve on your portions!!). The girl who always has to reach for everything and hand it to her shorter counterparts. The girl who always hears the phrase, “but you’re tall” when I make any reference to my desire to lose some weight.
I’m the girl who truly sticks out in a crowd. Seriously, I couldn’t be a wallflower if I tried (and I am very shy around people I don’t know). You can’t miss me!
As a divorced, single mom, dating is pretty much off the table too. It seems that most tall men prefer shorter women. Ya, I’ll never figure that one out. There should be a law against that or something. I mean, when your date has to stand on a stool to kiss you goodnight, it’s just awkward people. It is.
BUT…..
I’m also that girl who wants to live a life larger than she is. That girl who is chasing her dreams and making them happen. That girl who has an unrelenting desire and passion for improving her life and the lives of others in whatever way she can.
Being a big girl comes with big responsibilities. You have to work extra hard to make people feel comfortable around you, but you also get to shine from a much higher place.
Life as a big girl definitely has it’s challenges. But once I reach my goals, life in general will be big. And I can’t wait for that day to arrive. Look out world! Yes. I’m that girl.
Martina says
What an honest, and beautiful post. Thank you for sharing. I’m loving your recipes too!!
Tiffany McCauley says
Martina – Thank you! 🙂
Amy Sowder says
Nice. I’m 5’10.5″ and I love being able to eat more than tiny women. But yeah, when I’m at my thinnest, I’m still a size 10, which is almost the highest size at mainstream stores. It’s all good. Big girls rock. It takes a really large (secure) man to handle us, and most men just can’t handle it. I appreciate the honesty here too. And you’re making it easier for us to eat healthier and to be healthier, whatever that looks like for each of us.
Tiffany McCauley says
Amy – Thanks so much! And you’re right, most men can’t handle a true amazon. But the ones that can, I believe are worth waiting for!!
Whitney says
Being 6′ too, this post really made my heart happy! Thank you!
Tiffany McCauley says
Whitney – My pleasure! Us beautiful amazon women gotta stick together! 😀
txgrandma says
I love this post. My 13 year old granddaughter is 5′ 7″ and still growing. She wears a size 11 shoe. She loves being taller than everyone, including the boys. I think that will change as she gets older but for now, I love that she embraces her height. Thanks so much!
PS- I am also German and our family is small boned and shorter in stature.
Tiffany McCauley says
txgrandma – Ya, my dad was 6’5″, so I didn’t stand a chance. lol!
Sarah Hill says
YES! I am just like you! A little shorter at 5’9, but everywhere else is spot on down to the shoe size (bowling is terrible) Thank you for your pantry recipes! I just found your website and I’m trying them this weekend!
Tiffany McCauley says
Sarah – Thanks for stopping by! I hope you enjoy the recipes! 🙂