Gal monitor: the height of it

SANGEETA CAVALE / TNN / Feb 8, 2005, 01:02 IST

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Research says taller women are perceived as more intelligent and assertive. BT asks men about town if it works that way for them.

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">Research says taller women are perceived as more intelligent and assertive. Bangalore Times asks men about town if it works that way for them Recent research by the universities of Liverpool, Central Lancashire and University College, London, seems to suggest that both men and women judge a tall female on first sight as more intelligent, assertive, independent and ambitious.They are also judged richer and more successful, whatever the reality. Men tend to believe that small women are more nurturing and likely to be better mothers. BT asked some guys in the city what they made of all this. Carlton Braganza, musician I''m married to a petite woman. After knowing her for so long I can safely say that looks can be deceptive! She''s no less assertive than a tall woman. I have dated tall girlfriends in the past. They were tall, but not skinny. Before I got to know my wife Gina, I did have a few preconceived notions about short women. I thought they were less menacing! Short women make good wives. But yes, tall women are definitely more noticeable in a crowd. Kannan Ramachandran, businessman Tall women are striking in the Indian context. My wife Pratima Hegde is tall and I find her height very attractive. She''s assertive, even bossy! I have nothing against short women, but feel that tall women are more confident. Ananth Narayan, pub owner I don''t think the research findings really apply to Indian women. Our upbringing, culture and values play a role in the way women and men perceive themselves and each other. Tall women may not be confident in this country as they could be very conscious of their height. I''ve noticed that tall and stout foreigners can be very dominating. In my experience, short women are shrewd. Short and tall women, both stand out in a crowd, though. Rajeev Ravindranathan, theatre person and ad man Men have hang-ups and are conditioned to believe that they have to be taller, stronger and better than women. Besides, cinema bombards us with images of tall, leggy women and so we assume that all tall women are good-looking. But there are no stereotypes in reality. I would personally feel protective towards a short lady. Many famous actresses are short in real life but are projected to look tall on screen. Short women are certainly less intimidating than taller ones. Ajit Saldanha, theatre person I have noticed that many tall Indian women are very conscious of their height and are all hunched up due to bad posture, the exception being models. If I was short, I would feel intimidated by a tall woman but luckily I am almost six feet tall. Short women can be feisty, attractive and have a personality to make up for their lack of height. Short women can be cuddly and affectionate! I have heard people in business circles say that both short men and women tend to be more aggressive and go-getting than others to make up for their physical stature. Shaquille Shariff, model I have observed that short women tend to be more bossy. However it all boils down to upbringing and environment. Personally, I would like to be with a tall, sexy, dynamic and outgoing woman who also has a strong maternal instinct. sangeeta_cavale@indiatimes.com</div> </div>

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