Was this rude of this employee?

I don't think so I just want some other opinions. As most of you know I'm a transgender man. I pass and I've never been misgendered or harrased by anyone anywhere in any town or state I've been to even the unfriendly ones.

Anyways, I am only 5'5. Pretty short for a guy. At Dicks Sporting Goods a couple years ago I couldn't reach a hoodie. I asked an employee to help me and he also had trouble but finally got it and said "yeah, I'm short too."

I didn't take offense to his comment since he was also calling himself short.

What does anyone think?

@Mountaindewed I try to not judge someone by their physical appearance and that sounds like the employee was doing. Maybe they sensed your discomfort at needing to ask for help. They seem to be trying to put you at ease.

Some of the most fun people I met on the phone in business did not look anything like I imagined when I met them in person. So for me how someone is as a person is not the same as how they appear. @CANDC

MD, doesn't sound rude to me. You couldn't reach something and asked for help. Sounded to me like the employee was just trying to make a connection with you.

Doesn't sound rude to me at all.

I’m sure they didn’t mean it as rude, and they were trying to connect with you. But pointing out any flaw in someone may embarrass them, and it’s good manners to not do that in general circumstances like you were in. I’d say it’s about using tact.

Weighing it all up and taking into account a variety of contextual possibilities, no, it wasn't rude. You probably just chuckled when he said it. I would've.👍

Meh. That's a nothingburger. Maybe not the most tactful thing in the world to say but it was pretty innocent.

No, that wasn't rude. He was just trying to be friendly and trying not to make you feel bad about asking for help.

No, not rude. Just observant. I'm 4'10"" and have to get lots of help reaching things. I think I make somewhat short people feel good because I'm even shorter. I do get tired of people mentioning it. It only affects my life when I need to reach things.

I’m 5’2” and often make jokes about challenges of being short with people, if they are short more so as we both know what it feels like.

Having said that I’m more careful what I say to shorter men as I’m aware some men get self conscious about height.

But no, I think it sounds like a friendly exchange.

Trav, for some reason I always thought you and I were about the same height ( I'm 5'6"). Boy was I wrong!

I'm about your height and would probably think too that the salesperson was just making a light comment about the challenges that come with being short.

It’s quite possible that the employee was trying to use sense of humor by trying to have a positive attitude about the situation.

Interesting. I've never thought about your height at all or the height of anyone else here!

Doesn't sound rude at all.

It's great that you're open to hearing different perspectives! It sounds like you've had a positive experience regarding your identity as a transgender man, which is truly heartening. The anecdote you shared about the interaction at Dicks Sporting Goods is interesting. Sometimes, people make comments without intending any harm, like the employee acknowledging his own height as well. It's essential to remember that humor and camaraderie can arise from such interactions, as long as they're respectful and well-intentioned. As for your height, it's important to recognize that there's a wide range of heights among men, and everyone's experience is unique. Height doesn't define masculinity or one's worth. Confidence and self-assuredness often make a bigger impact than physical attributes. Embracing who you are and owning your experiences can be empowering for both yourself and others who might be going through similar situations. Keep shining as your authentic self! What are your thoughts on how such interactions can promote understanding and camaraderie among people of different backgrounds and experiences?

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Originally Posted by Travelinglady Interesting. I've never thought about your height at all or the height of anyone else here!

I tend to create a mental image of people I've come to know on the forums. It's kind of like creating a mental image of characters in books. Funny thing is that I am frequently WAY off like I was with your height.

I think it's pretty common to create a mental image of people you haven't seen in person. I've had situations where I knew someone before meeting them in person and they've made comments that I look like they expected or didn't look at all like they expected. I've done that sometimes too.

me too