by Dating can already feel like an emotional rollercoaster, but for some, height adds an extra layer of pressure. One TikTok creator, known as Ian (@ian3snacks), has gone viral after sharing a painfully funny (and slightly humiliating) story about what happened when he mentioned his height on a dating app.
Ian, a 35-year-old musician and filmmaker who also lives with autism, explained that he’s upfront about being 5 foot 6 because he knows height can be a dealbreaker for some women. Instead of trying cheesy pickup lines, he says he leans into honesty, wit, and kindness.
“I am not one to woo you with smooth pickup lines or play games. I don’t have the jawline for that kind of approach. Transparency, wit and kindness tend to be where I shine,” Ian told Newsweek.
The Dating App Disaster
In a recent TikTok video, Ian described how he matched with a woman who was taller than him. Trying to be upfront, he opened the conversation by saying:
“Hey, you’re stunning. Did you see that I’m only 5’6?”
Her response?
She asked if he was okay with her being taller and possibly wearing heels on their date.
Ian spoke about the difficulties of dating in your 30s, especially if you are 5 ft 6 (Getty Stock Image)
Ian figured she expected him to feel insecure and end things himself—but instead, he flipped the script:
“I told her, ‘I’m totally comfortable with it. Just having dinner with you would be compliments enough. But if you want to politely see yourself out now, no harm, no foul.’”
Seconds later, she unmatched him.
Humiliating but Hilarious
While some might be bitter, Ian kept things lighthearted. He admitted it stung a little but also found it funny:
“Dating in your 30s is hilarious. It’s humiliating. But also hilarious. Don’t come at me with that short man syndrome BS,” he captioned his clip.
Ian admitted it was both humiliating and hilarious dating now (Getty Stock Image)
Ian explained that dating, especially in your 30s, often feels like a “self-inflicted humiliation ritual.” Sometimes it’s not about height or personality—it’s just about two people not vibing.
A Reminder for the “Short Kings”
Ian was quick to add that this isn’t a sob story or a rallying cry for short men to attack women’s dating preferences. Instead, it’s a reminder that rejection happens to everyone—and sometimes, all you can do is laugh it off.
So, if you’re a fellow “short king” (or even just someone struggling with modern dating apps), Ian’s story is proof that keeping your sense of humor is the real win.
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Keep your head up, Ian—we’re rooting for you.
