My high school volleyball team and me, #14 (Image via Abigail Cook)

Throughout my life, there has been one question that I have been asked more than any other. “Do you play basketball?” This is a question I hear from strangers at the grocery store, acquaintances at my church, friends at my school, coworkers of my parents, and even my very own family. It seems as if everyone and their mother wants to know if I do, indeed, play basketball.  

Now, I am in no way asserting that it’s a stupid question. In fact, considering that I passed the average height of a fully-grown woman by the time I was 10 years old, I shouldn’t be surprised that this is the question I am most frequently asked. Honestly, in most cases, I would also expect a 6 foot 14-year-old, the average height of a WNBA player, to play basketball as well. However, I think what irks me the most is the overwhelming amount of times I am asked this question and the way in which I am asked.  

Generally, when we first meet someone, our initial reaction is to introduce ourselves and ask a conversational question such as: “what’s your name?”. More commonly, when conversing with those we already know, a simple “how are you?” or “what’s up?” is the first thing we ask one another. Personally, I am usually greeted with an “oh my god, you’re so tall” or “do you play basketball?” or “please tell me you’re doing something productive with all that height”. Though at first, these questions seemed funny and genuine, after about 6 years of it, I am OVER it. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my height, but that doesn’t mean I want to be told every 60 seconds that I am “soooooo tall” and asked if I play basketball.  

My mother, father, and I at an event (Image via Gregory Henderson)

Frankly, I could place all the blame on my dad. My mom is only 5’4, so I had a chance at being the height of a normal girl, however, my dad, who stands at 6 foot 8, ruined all chances of “average” for me. And guess what? He has NEVER played basketball and neither do I, which is probably best for everyone. What’s quite ironic is that the only person in my family who plays basketball is my little brother, who is 11 and 5’3. 

My younger brother and I pictured in front of Atherton Hall (Image via Stacey Burnard)

Basically, what I’m trying to get at is that if you see a tall person follow these steps. 1) DON’T TELL THEM THAT THEY’RE TALL – they already know. I promise. 2) DON’T ASK THEM IF THEY PLAY BASKETBALL – just don’t. Unless they’re wearing a basketball uniform. But then you already know the answer. So, just refrain. 3) If they say they don’t play basketball, DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT TELL THEM THAT THEY’RE A WASTE OF HEIGHT. Instead, try using some of these “quality conversation starters” to avoid annoying the next tall person you talk to.

Just follow my handy-dandy tips and you’re on your way to becoming every tall person’s best friend!!

Thanks for tuning in!
Madison