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.

Height can sometimes affect how approachable someone seems. For certain guys, a shorter girl might feel less intimidating, making it easier to strike up a conversation or ask for a date. While height has no bearing on someone’s actual friendliness, perception can still play a role.

7. Cuddling often feels extra cozy.

Some guys love the physical closeness that comes with a height difference during cuddles. Hugging a shorter girl often means wrapping her up completely, which can make a guy feel nurturing and protective. The ability to wrap around each other during a cuddle session brings a sense of warmth and connection that many guys enjoy.

8. Kisses can feel movie-scene romantic.

The visual of a guy leaning down while a girl reaches up on her toes for a kiss has a certain fairytale charm. Some guys love the romantic notion of literally sweeping a girl off her feet. With a petite partner, kisses can feel especially sweet, and some guys even enjoy picking their partner up during the moment.

If you’re navigating a height difference while kissing, there are plenty of creative options—like sitting on the couch or using a step for added height.

9. The size difference can inspire more bedroom creativity.

For some guys, being with a shorter partner opens the door to experimenting with new positions. Physical intimacy is about connection, not size, but height differences might encourage couples to explore and adjust together, which can be both exciting and bonding.

10. Short girls stay petite regardless of fashion.

Even when dressed to the nines and wearing tall heels, shorter girls still tend to remain noticeably smaller. While many guys love a girl in heels, others might appreciate that shorter partners retain that petite charm even when dressed up for a night out.

11. Shorter guys might prefer someone closer to their own height.

Not every guy is after the tall-and-short contrast. Some men prefer to date girls who are around the same height, which can make physical affection like hugging and kissing feel more natural.

If you’re a shorter guy putting yourself out there, the best thing you can do is be confident in your strengths. Share your interests and skills—whether it’s a passion for hiking or your flair in the kitchen. Most women care way more about who you are than how tall you are.

12. Short girls often go for taller guys.

It’s actually quite common for girls to be attracted to guys who are taller than they are. This explains why you’ll often see couples where the guy towers over his girlfriend. In fact, nearly half of women say they prefer dating taller men.

Dating, though, is always a two-way street.

That said, there are plenty of women who either don’t care about height or even prefer shorter partners. So no matter how tall you are, there’s definitely someone out there for you.