Tall, dark and handsome – the ideal man, as the saying goes, but how much does height really matter in dating relationships?

Many girls profess that they would not be comfortable dating someone shorter than them, and guys admit dating a taller girl would be difficult. Although many view height as an important factor in finding a dating partner, it may be more about self-esteem and confidence than actual differences in stature.

Jane Vallier, lecturer in English, specializes in gender communication and its effects on interpersonal communication. She said self-confidence is the most important element of a relationship and thinks it is something best judged on an individual basis.

“It’s all a matter of the individuals’ self-esteem. Some people can handle it; others can’t,” Vallier said. “A self-confident individual would not be bothered – look at the McCains, the Huckabees, the Obamas and other political figures. The older a person is, the less it matters. In fact, I would say facetiously that it only matters to senior prom dates.”

Some students differed on the issue of height in their lives.

Joy Carroll, junior in genetics, said height is not an issue when deciding whether or not to date someone.

“I don’t even think about how tall a guy is when he asks me out. I’m 5-foot-4, so most guys are taller than me,” Carroll said.

Samantha Clark, junior in political science, said personal height is important to her.

“As a 5-foot-2 female, I always look for a male that is a lot taller because I enjoy looking up at a man,” she said. “And I also think, at times, if I was to have kids someday, I would want to have taller children than myself because I know what it’s like to grow up being the short one.”

Another important part about dating someone taller may be choosing appropriate footwear.

“When you are short and have a tall boyfriend, you get to wear heels, whereas if you are tall and have a boyfriend similar in height, then you have to wear flats, and that is just awkward,” Clark said.

Although many girls may not see height as a crucial issue in deciding who to date, studies have shown men place greater importance on height differences when deciding who to date.

Shaun Starbuck, sophomore in pre-business, views height as an important factor in relationships.

“No, I wouldn’t like [dating someone taller] because I guess I am used to looking down at my girlfriend,” Starbuck said.

He is not completely opposed to the idea of dating someone taller, but “it would take some getting used to.”

Others guys do not seem to think it would be an issue.

David Vande Zandschulp, freshman in liberal arts and sciences-open option, does not see height as an important factor.

“Yes, I would date someone taller than me, because I believe that if you are truly in love with someone, height would not be an issue,” he said.