The burden of teasing – and the first self-doubt
“Is the air thinner up there?”
“Wow, you’re tall!”
“Growth spurt or giant baby?”
If you're grown up yourself, you know these sayings all too well.
They may be funny to others – but for me, as a child and teenager, they were hurtful.
I was always the tallest in elementary school.
Taller than all the girls, taller than the boys – and therefore automatically the center of attention, whether I wanted it or not.
While my friends seemed petite and girlish, I often felt awkward and out of place.
In 5th grade things started to get really bad.
The boys, who were much smaller, teased me constantly:
“Hey, how’s the air up there?”
“Can you bring the clouds down for me?”
Everyone laughed, I smiled bravely along – but inside it hurt.
I began to make myself smaller, hunched my shoulders, wanted to become invisible.
I hated being on top of everyone else in group photos.
Even then, doubts developed that stayed with me until my youth:
Am I too tall?
Too conspicuous?
Not “normal” enough?
My salvation: A ball, a team, a new perspective on myself
When I was 13, a friend took me to handball training .
What was initially just an experiment quickly became my passion.
For the first time in my life, I felt that my height could be an advantage—not just a flaw.
In handball I was able to use my long arms and legs to my advantage.
Suddenly I was no longer “the big one who stands out,” but “the player who moves our team forward.”
This sport has not only given me strength in my legs, but also strength in my heart.
I learned team spirit, discipline, and perseverance—and with each training session, my self-confidence grew.
Fears as opponents – and me as winner
The doubts and fears from my childhood were like an invisible enemy on the playing field of my life.
But I decided not to let this opponent win.
Instead of putting myself down, I stood up straight.
My height – once my biggest complex – gradually became my superpower.
Today I know:
My long legs, my upright posture, my confident smile – that’s me.
I no longer make myself smaller just to make others feel bigger.
Today I am proud – and turn the tables
There are days when I look in the mirror and think:
“Wow, I love who I’ve become.”
I now proudly show off my long legs, which I once tried to hide.
I wear high heels when I feel like it, and I wear outfits that emphasize my height rather than conceal it.
And you know what?
Today it is often the men who feel intimidated – not me.
Some people hardly dare to approach me because they think I am “unattainable.”
In the past, this would have hurt me – today it makes me smile.
Because I know: My worth doesn't depend on whether someone can handle my size .
My appeal to all great women
If you're still in the middle of these doubts, if you're making yourself smaller than you are - I know that feeling.
But I promise you:
At some point you will realize that your size is not your enemy, but your greatest ally.
You are special, unique and strong – even if it sometimes hurts to be different.
Be proud of your greatness.
Never make yourself smaller just to fit into someone else's image.
Shine, be brave, be yourself.
your LangeHosen.de team
