[issy]

Being tiny isn't that bad, I guess. I recently discovered I wear a size 8 in children's underwear and at $7 a pack for 10 instead of $5 a pair, it pays to be tiny. Haha

But seriously, I took a sewing class in 4th grade because I have always been extra tiny, as in chest high stick. I used to get put in the ballbox when I was a kid by my friends and I was always the 'squeeze in through the cracked window to get the keys out of the locked car' person. Usually a dart up the sides at the seams does the trick but buying those dresses with the tie sashes at the sides of the waist are a blessing, I can yank those fuckers tight and get an xxs in a flash. I'm glad Dior's 'new look' (high tight waist and flared hips) is coming back in style because those bubble dresses that were popular for a while didn't do my tube body any favors.

For the record I am 5'3" and 94 pounds. I find that applying blush with a BIG round soft brush and then sweeping regular foundation powder under my eyes to create the illusion of sharp high cheekbones usually gives me the definition I crave. Smiling really wide and applying blush or bronzer to just the bottoms of the apples of your cheeks works well too

[Allison-Shine]

Hello everyone. I mostly lurk around the "small breasts" thread, and this is actually my first time posting in this one. I'm a very petite young woman too. I'm 22 years old, and I am 4'11", about 100-ish lbs.

For the most part, I'm quite fine with how I look. I'm not bothered by my height too much. I think I dress well, I put on make-up well, and I do look around my 20's. I mean, maybe sometimes I look young when I'm just in sweats and stuff, but not so young that I look 10. But sometimes - SOMETIMES - someone just says something that hits it on the nail for me and I become depressed again.

Over Thanksgiving, I was at my brother-in-law's aunt's house with him and my sister. I was about to pour myself a glass of wine, and the bro-in-law's uncle was like, "Are you 21?" My sister and I said, "She's/I'm 22." Sister inserted, "But she LOOKS like she's 16." Uncle: "I would have guessed you're around..... 7." Then he said he was just joking and we all just laughed it off, and I plastered a smile on my face and laughed along with the joke like I always do, but it still made me sad.

My family keeps making jokes on how I have to get my license ready whenever I go to a casino, because most likely the security will "think I'm 15" and ask me for my ID. I feel that's so ignorant. I told my parents that the last time I was at a casino, I didn't get carded. At all. And usually when I go out for drinks, I don't get carded either unless it's on or near my university's campus, and in that case, they card EVERYONE who comes in, because you never know who's actually over 21 and who isn't.

And then on Facebook, I was replying to a friend's status about something, and I said something around the lines of, "Being an adult sucks." My friend replied, "M, I'll always consider you a non-adult because of your size." REALLY? Really. Augh. The way I deal with stuff like this is joking around it. For example, I normally cook at this friend's apartment, and I told him, "But you can't have any food because APPARENTLY I'M A NON-ADULT." And we all laugh it off. But behind at laugh, stuff like that really does hurt me. Anyone else feel this way?

Sigh. I don't feel like I look that young by any means. If someone says something about how short I am, I normally retort, "Look. My dad is 5'4", and my mom is 4'11". What do you expect? " I really hate ignorant people sometimes. Height isn't necessarily proportional to age. Why don't people understand that?

Wow, I didn't think this would turn into this big lengthy thing lol. I apologize if this is the inappropriate thread for this, but people have been putting me down for my size lately, and I can only hide behind smiles and retorts for so long, and I was hoping the lovely people here would understand.

Welcome MariCat, nice to see you de-lurk and post, a very good post indeed !

Looks like igorance at its pinnacle once again. And yes, many times it comes from family and freinds. Oh and those aunts and uncles especially, they tend to check their tactfulness at the front door. "Seven"?? Talk about a poor attempt at humor, he didn't feel stupid afterwards, LOL? A "non-adult", what the hell?

Normally I suggest taking the high road an being tactful in return but in both of these cases I would have found a hole or a flaw in them or their lives and shot back. Usually it takes a little bit of shock value to put people back in their place. I am a year older than you and still get comments myself, despite the fact that I am on the larger end of the "petite spectrum" (I'm 23 5'3" 116 lbs). But its not my size in general that gets the unwanted comments and attention, its my still youthful looks and my size in comparison to my bigger 16 year old sister, younger female cousins, and even younger daughters of my Mom's freinds and younger daughters of my own older female freinds. I used to take it on the chin but now I am fighting back, much to my Mom's chagrin but my Dad's delight, he thinks highly of what I have accompished in life and my "rugged individaulism" and loves it when I "stand tall", no pun intened, lol.

If you are as tall as you mom, that's not really abnormal. My dad is 5'10" and my mom and sis are 5'6", I'm more the freak at 5'3". I would have given anything to be as tall as my mom and sis.

I still get carded, but I am only 23 so it does not rattle me too much, my 32 year old BF still does from time to time, and nobody would mistake him for a boy, lol.

Hopefully other Busties will chime in and have some advice as well, we are a great bunch when it comes to these things, we hope to hear more from you !

[MariCat187]

Hello everyone. I mostly lurk around the "small breasts" thread, and this is actually my first time posting in this one. I'm a very petite young woman too. I'm 22 years old, and I am 4'11", about 100-ish lbs.

For the most part, I'm quite fine with how I look. I'm not bothered by my height too much. I think I dress well, I put on make-up well, and I do look around my 20's. I mean, maybe sometimes I look young when I'm just in sweats and stuff, but not so young that I look 10. But sometimes - SOMETIMES - someone just says something that hits it on the nail for me and I become depressed again.

Over Thanksgiving, I was at my brother-in-law's aunt's house with him and my sister. I was about to pour myself a glass of wine, and the bro-in-law's uncle was like, "Are you 21?" My sister and I said, "She's/I'm 22." Sister inserted, "But she LOOKS like she's 16." Uncle: "I would have guessed you're around..... 7." Then he said he was just joking and we all just laughed it off, and I plastered a smile on my face and laughed along with the joke like I always do, but it still made me sad.

My family keeps making jokes on how I have to get my license ready whenever I go to a casino, because most likely the security will "think I'm 15" and ask me for my ID. I feel that's so ignorant. I told my parents that the last time I was at a casino, I didn't get carded. At all. And usually when I go out for drinks, I don't get carded either unless it's on or near my university's campus, and in that case, they card EVERYONE who comes in, because you never know who's actually over 21 and who isn't.

And then on Facebook, I was replying to a friend's status about something, and I said something around the lines of, "Being an adult sucks." My friend replied, "M, I'll always consider you a non-adult because of your size." REALLY? Really. Augh. The way I deal with stuff like this is joking around it. For example, I normally cook at this friend's apartment, and I told him, "But you can't have any food because APPARENTLY I'M A NON-ADULT." And we all laugh it off. But behind at laugh, stuff like that really does hurt me. Anyone else feel this way?

Sigh. I don't feel like I look that young by any means. If someone says something about how short I am, I normally retort, "Look. My dad is 5'4", and my mom is 4'11". What do you expect? " I really hate ignorant people sometimes. Height isn't necessarily proportional to age. Why don't people understand that?

Wow, I didn't think this would turn into this big lengthy thing lol. I apologize if this is the inappropriate thread for this, but people have been putting me down for my size lately, and I can only hide behind smiles and retorts for so long, and I was hoping the lovely people here would understand.

This post has been edited by MariCat187: Dec 2 2009, 11:35 PM

[auralpoison]

Five pages of "cute" discussion from Vanity Fair.

[Allison-Shine]

Hmm maybe it's our own interpretation of the word cos we're smallies Aithinne? I think you're right, we should take cute back and make it sexy. I like the suggestions of the funky glasses etc, sometimes changing the smallest thing can make you look totally different!

I have taken to wearing plaid skirts and dark stockings. I get great feedback from my boyfriend and other guys I know. It's a great way to make cute real sexxy.

[spot-on]

Hmm maybe it's our own interpretation of the word cos we're smallies Aithinne? I think you're right, we should take cute back and make it sexy. I like the suggestions of the funky glasses etc, sometimes changing the smallest thing can make you look totally different!

[Persiflager]

If I describe an adult as cute, it means I think they're hot. My male friends use it in the same way, in that people can be hot without being cute, but not cute and un-hot. Cuteness is a sub-set of sexiness!

I do understand your frustration, though - it's extremely annoying to be stuck with a look that doesn't suit your personality, especially if people make assumptions based on your physical appearance.

How about a funky pair of glasses? Bold, angular frames look great on rounder faces. Or a different hairstyle? Something short and sassy, or with a heavy fringe, would probably make a big difference.

I'm rubbish at make-up but try asking in the make-up thread.

((Aithinne))

[angie_21]

I don't know if what I have to say will be helpful to this conversation or not. I'm not a tiny girl by any means, but I have been slim most of my life (teetering on the brink of being a bit chubby now I'm afraid) with a small chest, the voice of a 12-year-old, and giant round cheeks with dimples. I've been described as cute very often.

I'm very comfortable with my physcial cuteness, and often use it to my advantage. Having a cute, flirty smile is a guaranteed way to get what you want in the world, from both men and women. And in my experience, guys tend to find it very sexy. The key, in my view, is to realize that if your personality is more than cute, if you're sassy or sexy or a bit bitchy in your actions, all those things show through and make for an awesome combinations. Being cute, you can get away with a lot, and it's very easy to be sexy without coming off as slutty. You come across as being likeable and sweet, which makes people want to help you out, and guys loooove to help girls. Another thing I like is that it makes you seem less threatening, and people can underestimate you, which often gives you an advantage. Some of these things may not make you feel sexy, but they can and should. Just remember - cuteness as a physical trait can always be used to your advantage, while cuteness as a personality trait is much more difficult to swing. Don't mix up the two, and never underestimate the power of cute!

[ketto]

Athinne, I'm going to forever be 'cute' myself. I used to hate it, but now I've sort of settled into it. I think it has a lot more with how you see yourself than how other people see you. I'm only 4'11, fairly petite, round face and I'm 24 but I look about 14-16 (I've gotten as young as 13 with an average of 16). When I was 22 I was even accused of being under 18 and playing on a women's soccer team. When I was younger, I found that going out with friends made people think i was younger than I was and i got ID'd constantly. Oddly, whenever I went out on dates I almost never got ID'd no matter who I was with.

I don't think there's any way to make the shape of your face look different. I think you need to accept what you have and work within that. I found that by changing my hair and doing my eyes a little more dramatically I felt a lot sexier. People still call me cute, but I see myself as sexy and beautiful (and a little cute) and I know that's how my partner sees me too. People find confidence sexy, it's true. The more confident you are in yourself, the more attractive you tend to come off. I really do think it's all in how we see ourselves. My mom was getting ID'd on her 35th birthday when she had 3 kids and no sleep, so I expect people to find me 'cute' and youthful for many many years to come. I like how I see myself and I care less about how others do.

[spot-on]

Aithinne, to get to your cute vs sexy debate: I come from England originally, moved to the US in 2001. I had never heard the word cute used in the way it is here in the US. We have a single guy friend that we used to go out with occasionally (he's attached now) and we'd mention any unnattached women in the restaurant/bar and he often says "yeah she's cute". I took this as he wasn't that interested when in fact he was. I associate cute with 'nice but not for me thanks I prefer ...' . I don't know why, I just don't associate 'cute' as a come on. I'd never heard the term before I came to the US though

[Aithinne]

Thanks angie for the push.

I'm not lying when I say I have about a million reasons why 'cute' makes me insecure. I think I'll stick to the short of the current manifestation of my insecurity of the word. Basically, I was looking at pictures and found one of my half-sister and I that was taken about a year ago. Let's just say that if I wanted a picture that made me look pretty, a picture with my sister would definitely make it so I might as well not be in the picture at all. My chipmunk cheeks make me look like a cute 5 year old, and her stunning self carves my own name in the plain jane block.

If anyone has any makeup tips to make my cheeks look smaller and my face less round/more angular, it would be greatly appreciated. I would very much desire to break out of the 'cute' pigeon hole somehow. Unfortunately I don't know any other way to stop looking 12 with my face shape, without going under some type of cosmetic surgery, and the idea of that is not appealing at all. Besides, most facial plastic surgery ends up looking VERY bad.

[angie_21]

*bump* for Aithinne

[Eris_Sweetleaf]

I have something that may be worth some thinking;

I know this 'all natural' movement is still going on but what I don't get is that when a slim woman has something proud to say about herself, why do some people knock it for vanity? If this is supposed to be about respect and whatnot what does all this hostility towards smaller women supposed to do? Is it not disrespect to constantly belittle someone just because you THINK they have an eatting disorder and is it not disrespect to imply that everyone has the right to feel good about themselves UNLESS you're a thin woman?

Why am I asking this?

Because I was told that I don't have the right to feel good about myself because I'm a skinny bitch.

Natural movement and love your body my ass. The only thing this 'movement' has done is allow people to be more vocal about their hyprocritical bullshit. I can understand that larger women get shit but I think its rather sad that they actually try to block out my insecurities only because they want more people to feel sorry for them, because I guess I've had it easier or something, never mind I've gotten shit for being small most of my life, especially when I got older into 'womanly' territories. I guess I got the 'easier' of being insulted or something.

[ketto]

Hehe, this reminds me of something funny my boyfriend told me when we were first dating.

He showed my picture to a woman he works with and she said, "Oh, she looks so cute and innocent...but I bet she's not." Too funny. I've never met this woman, but I like her.

[KeraBear]

I've had a hate relationship with the word cute too. I think because all I get is 'cute'. If I knew someone thought of me as 'sexy', 'hot', 'beautiful', etc, then being 'cute' every once in a while wouldn't be a bother. As long as you know that the person knows you are an adult and sees you as one, then cute loses much of its offensive, condescending, i-don't-see-you-as-a-sexual-being, power.

Oh yes, this! I guess i am sorta self conscious because i already look really young (the AA cup breasts don't help) I know i have a different experience, being younger (and actually "jailbait" and al, ha ha) and all, but i desperately want to be seen as a young adult. Sometimes people treat me like a junior higher, and I'm almost 17!

[Aithinne]

Oh boy, CUTE. I've talked about that word before, I tell ya! It's hard to not be seen as an adult when you are one. You aren't taken seriously and I think you're less apt to be approached by men because they think you're illegal. Or you wonder if you are approached if they came up to you because they thought you were jailbait. So frustrating to be sure of someone's intentions unless you're at a bar and have a drink in your hand, which clearly puts you over 21.

I've had a hate relationship with the word cute too. I think because all I get is 'cute'. If I knew someone thought of me as 'sexy', 'hot', 'beautiful', etc, then being 'cute' every once in a while wouldn't be a bother. As long as you know that the person knows you are an adult and sees you as one, then cute loses much of its offensive, condescending, i-don't-see-you-as-a-sexual-being, power.

[Allison-Shine]

UGH... i am also get the "tiny and cute" references a lot- (5'2'', 105 pounds, 16 years old). In fact, i mostly despise the word cute. Little girls are "cute" you know? I totally know what you mean about the elementary pictures. I had to go through that, too! I was 5'0'' until 9th grade. I didn't even get my first period until 15 and a half. I wonder how much that has to do with low body weight?

I also so feel you on the anorexia comments. It is maddening. If anything i want to gain weight, but my body doesn't seem to be wired that way. But you are right, 13, there is nothing to be ashamed of. These are our bodies, the way we were meant to be. And it's a beautiful thing. I do believing that. But I stioll have a long ways to go.

I'm 23 and still get the cute label a lot. It's like gee Ive been an adult for five years and I am a college graduate. I know I look younger for my age but I don't look 12 or anything.

Maybe its better than being called a fat cow or a dog but still I'm not some little girl.

[KeraBear]

Though I have not ever been bench pressed either, I get lifted up quite a bit by my friends (male and female alike)-- one of whom recently locked himself out of his house and asked me to come over and climb through a high-up window, so I could unlock the door from the inside. It was funny because perhaps 5 minutes before he got locked out, he had picked me up and couldn't believe how easy it was to do.

I used to be uncomfortable with people lifting me up, grabbing my "bony" wrists, calling me tiny and cute. In elementary school I was always the shortest and lightest one in the class & had to sit in the front row for our class picture or else you could not see me! Until I was 18 or so I was 5'1", maybe 5'2", and then slowly inched up to 5'3", where of course I'm staying (being almost 26 years old). My weight has steadily remained at under 100 lbs.-- 97 or 98-- and it drives me insane when people ask if I have anorexia, because I eat normal portions, very healthy food, and I am small but not sickly-looking!!

Now I've really embraced being petite & see there is nothing to be ashamed of; it's a beautiful thing.
13

UGH... i am also get the "tiny and cute" references a lot- (5'2'', 105 pounds, 16 years old). In fact, i mostly despise the word cute. Little girls are "cute" you know? I totally know what you mean about the elementary pictures. I had to go through that, too! I was 5'0'' until 9th grade. I didn't even get my first period until 15 and a half. I wonder how much that has to do with low body weight?

I also so feel you on the anorexia comments. It is maddening. If anything i want to gain weight, but my body doesn't seem to be wired that way. But you are right, 13, there is nothing to be ashamed of. These are our bodies, the way we were meant to be. And it's a beautiful thing. Deep down, I do believing that. But I still have a long ways to go.

[Allison-Shine]

I'm 5'3" and 115 too.

I can lift and move 150 lb people though! I have old ladies my size or smaller than me get all awed at how "strong" I am- it's funny because I lift people way bigger than them.

That is impressive, do you work out or do you have natural strength? There are smaller, slimmer people who are like you and have amazing strength for their size.

[hellotampon]

Well, you certainly belong in this thread then, lol.
Like you and stereotypical, I'm 5'3" as well and have filled out more since my teen years, I'm 115 now. I was 100-108 in high school/early college.

I have never been bench pressed surprisingly, hahaha. But my 16 year old sister lifted me up as I held her hands and balanced my feet on hers as she raised me up, she's a good 20 pounds on me and got pretty strong in the past few years. Doesn't always take a guy to lift me either.

I'm 5'3" and 115 too.

I can lift and move 150 lb people though! I have old ladies my size or smaller than me get all awed at how "strong" I am- it's funny because I lift people way bigger than them.