Hey Blue,

I'm 29 and 5'4". Actually probably more like 5'2" but 5'4" sounds better right? I know how you feel, trust me. I'm sure I don't have to tell you but it is too late for growth hormones at 19. Besides they tend to make your jaw freakishly huge along with other problems. I had a friend growing up who took them. Oh man do they work though.

The way I've coped is by working out and getting big. When something heavy has to be moved people come to me regardless of height. Oh I still get the jokes. 'Hey can you hand me that on that shelf? Oh never mind!' Ha. My favorite was a guy I worked with doing landscaping. I'd get in the back of the truck to go to lunch and he would tell me to sit down before he takes off. Funny. Really, I laughed.

This really is something we can't change though. Although I've heard the limb lengthening, while being very painful, does work. It's also expensive though, and I haven't looked into it but I'm pretty sure no insurance would ever cover it. I'd love a few more inches and if I could afford it I'd probably do it.

I've learned though that we develop a different set of skills and physical abilities. For one, I can climb anything (not a joke) out of necessity. Also I studied martial arts for many years growing up, competitive Tae Kwon Do specifically. When I am in range for a strike, I am too close to a person of average height who is in my wieght class to fully extend their leg for a good shot. Drives em crazy. Our muscles develop differently. I worked for a couple years moving furniture, mostly with guys a foot taller than me. When they are carrying something at waist level, I am carrying it at chest level and my body had to compensate by building my chest, shoulders, and arms that much more. They called me mighty mouse.

Have you heard of Franco Columbo? He's about my height and he was Arnold Schwarzennegar's (sheez, first time trying to spell his name and I doubt it's right !) closest lifting partner, the guy is freakishly huge, like picking up cars huge. Bruce Lee, very short, scary fast. I'm just trying to say to you that there are other areas you can excel at. Maybe basketball isn't for us. Although there was Spud Webb - 5'6" - he won the Slam Dunk contest in '86. Earl Boykins - 5'5" and Mugsy Bogues - 5'3", both played in the NBA as well and they had to be that much better because of their hieght. Ninjas? Most of them were real short !

I know it makes for some uncomfortable social situations too, especially with romantic prospects. I'll tell you the truth, I have never been with a woman taller than me. Sounds dumb but it's the truth. I honestly consider a woman's height when deciding whether I want to be with her or not. It's my loss though because I may have missed the love of my life due to this. I hate concerts, clubs, malls, anywhere with crowds because I feel like people try to just walk right over me like I'm not there. It's not imagined either, I have a friend who is 6'4", 350 lbs., they get out of his way every time.

This use to bother me a lot too and I can't honestly say it doesn't still at times but I have learned that you can grow in other areas where people will look up to you (I am so damn sorry for that terrible pun ). All I can offer about the jokes, laugh with them. Diffuses it quicker than anything I've found. Seriously. Most people, in my experience, won't joke with you about it until they know it doesn't bother you. If it doesn't bother you, and that is their intention then it would be pointless for them anyway right? You're laughing too!

You can deal with this Brother and you won't be the first or last who has had to. You're a young man anyway, shock em all and be the next Bill Gates. Have the surgery and come home one day 6 inches taller! (I know it takes a long time though) You aren't without hope whether you get any taller or not though friend.