In the dating world, a man’s height has long been a topic of heated debate.
Whether it’s memes about “short kings” or the tired trope of women always preferring taller men, the conversation keeps resurfacing—especially on social media.
But what do South African women actually think about short men? Is height really a dealbreaker, or are we exaggerating its importance?
We asked seven South African women for their honest, unfiltered opinions—and their answers might surprise you.
1. Phindi, 27 – “Height isn’t everything”
“There are a lot of factors to consider. Height is not the only thing I think about when choosing a partner. Honestly, it’s not a big deal to me.”
For Phindi, the focus is on connection, not centimeters. She represents many South African women who value confidence and emotional maturity over physical traits like height.
2. Tammy, 30 – “Short men are a no for me”
“Short men are a big no for me.”
Tammy doesn’t hold back—she has a clear preference for taller guys. And that’s okay. Attraction is personal, and height happens to be one of her dating filters.
3. Foyinsola, 25 – “It’s about my own insecurities”
“I try not to feel insecure in relationships, but let’s be real: being with a short guy can trigger something. Still, I’m learning not to project those insecurities on others.”
Foyinsola is refreshingly honest about how her confidence affects how she views a partner’s height. It’s a reminder that sometimes it’s not about the other person—it’s about how we see ourselves.
4. June Mwikali, 33 – “Never again!”
“I once dated a short guy. Never again. He was short everywhere—from his thinking to his thingy. Yaani, never again.”
June keeps it light (and cheeky). Whether you agree or not, her humor reflects how height is often tied up in personality, confidence, and sexual stereotypes.
5. Yvonne Awiti, 28 – “Short men have it tougher”
“If you’re short, the game is rigged. You have to work three times harder—be fitter, richer, more emotionally intelligent—just to compete.”
Yvonne makes a critical point: society places extra pressure on short men to “make up” for their height in other ways. That pressure is real—and unfair.
The research says… height may not be a dealbreaker
A 2024 study by Dating.com, which surveyed over 10,000 people globally, found:
-
68% of women said they’re open to dating shorter men
-
81% said they’d date someone the same height as them
So while some women may prefer taller partners, the numbers suggest most women are more flexible than the stereotype suggests—including South Africans.
The psychology behind it all
According to Psychology Today, the preference for taller partners can stem from evolutionary instincts: women subconsciously associate height with strength and protection. But experts also say this isn’t universal—especially as gender roles and social expectations evolve.
So, if you’re a shorter guy who’s confident, kind, and self-assured, you’re more than capable of being someone’s ideal partner.
Final thoughts: It’s more nuanced than you think
Do South African women hate short men? No. Some do have a height preference, just like others prefer a certain smile, vibe, or lifestyle. But for many, height isn’t the headline—it’s the footnote.
What really matters? Confidence. Connection. Kindness. Chemistry.
So whether you’re a tall guy, a short king, or somewhere in between, the truth is this: your worth in the dating world isn’t measured in centimeters.
What’s your take?
Are you a woman with thoughts on dating shorter men—or a guy navigating height biases? Drop your opinion in the comments or share this with a friend!
