If you’ve ever been out shopping or running errands, you might’ve seen guys slightly hunched over, walking hand-in-hand with their much shorter girlfriends. It definitely makes for an adorable picture, but have you ever wondered why some guys seem to prefer dating girls who are significantly shorter than them?

While every guy is different and no particular height is inherently more attractive, there are quite a few intriguing reasons why some men gravitate toward shorter women. In this piece, we’ll explore 12 of the most common reasons behind this preference.

1. Short girls can bring out a guy’s protective side.

A smaller frame can inspire a guy’s desire to care for and shield his partner. While short girls are perfectly capable of handling things themselves, their stature might make a guy feel more inclined to look out for them. Some men enjoy stepping into that “knight in shining armor” role, and having a petite partner enhances that feeling.

2. They might boost a guy’s sense of masculinity.

Standing next to someone smaller can make a guy feel stronger and more confident. While attraction comes from many different places, for some men, the contrast in size contributes to a feeling of being more masculine. A shorter partner can make them feel larger and more capable.

Even though height doesn’t define character, it can sometimes influence how we see ourselves. If you’re looking to build confidence, focus on your inner strengths rather than your height—those are the things that truly stand out.

3. Being around a short girl can make a guy feel taller.

Even if he’s on the shorter side himself, he’ll still appear taller next to someone petite. Many guys are aware of their height, even if it doesn’t impact their worth in a relationship. For those who might feel a little self-conscious, dating a short girl can provide a bit of a confidence boost.

If you’re a shorter guy and worried about how that affects dating, remember that personality and self-assurance are far more important than inches. When someone is into you for who you are, height won’t even matter.

4. Short girls can make guys feel needed.

A shorter partner can awaken a guy’s instinct to be helpful or needed. Just like anyone else, guys want to feel appreciated in relationships. Since taller people usually find it easier to do things like reach the top shelf, short girls might often turn to their partner for help. That feeling of being depended on can be very fulfilling for some men.

5. Their petite size can come off as adorable.

Some guys find that a shorter girl’s appearance makes her seem especially cute. While cuteness isn’t determined by height, there’s something universally endearing about smaller things—think puppies or tiny trinkets. For some guys, that same reaction is sparked by a short girl’s presence.

Of course, tall women can be just as cute, and short women can be just as fierce and stylish as any fashion icon.

6. They might seem easier to approach.