Greentext

You're not wrong that some people "settle for less", but maybe it depends where you are where the average height in a population is taller. I live in Ireland where the average height is said to be 5'9" according to Wikipedia, but there are still many shorter people. And many men date taller women or of their same height, and they are also the same age bracket. My mate and the coworker he had a fling with are both in their mid twenty's. And mind you, I admit that my friend is not the best looking man you'll see and he looks older for his age, but he has charisma and said coworker looks younger and the model type.

If you're in Netherlands where the average height is 5'8" to 6 feet thereabouts, then yeah, people who are 5'5" could be seen as rare in that society and dating could be harder with those stature in the country.

I don't know where you live and the general demographic in your place or of those who mentioned dating shorter men and fat women are "settling for less", but it could also be sampling bias too. You and others may only remember short person/fat woman pairing because they looked odd enough by social standards.

What other people told you about may be true, but don't let it get into your head. Not all people are shallow. Women aren't mythical creatures who are to be put on pedestal. There are many women who priotitise personality and confidence more than looks. If you internalise negative externalities, it will manifest outwardly and undermine your confidence. Which will turn off women. If short and/or less good looking men manages to get dates-- the women in which either in these mens' own league or not-- then you and others could too. Confidence and personality is what matters more. And let me tell you, I met better looking, taller and high-income earning men who don't get dates because they haven't shown enough confidence and interesting enough personalities.