Can I Get Away with Saying I'm 6'4' Without Being Dishonest?

Height is often a source of conversation and even pride, especially when you're between inches or centimeters. Many people wonder if they can stretch the truth a little when it comes to their height. This piece explores the nuances of height reporting, rounded measurements, and how perception can influence reality.

The Subtleties of Height Reporting

When it comes to giving an accurate height, the difference of 0.6 inches (0.15 cm) is negligible. Factors such as shoe thickness can often add more to your height than that. For instance, my girlfriend measures 6'5.5" (197.4 cm) in bare feet but can sometimes measure 6'6" (198 cm) depending on the time of the day. This variation can make accurate measurement tricky, especially when you're measuring from above.

Misconceptions About Height

Height accuracy can also be influenced by the observer's perspective. Take my son, who is 6'4" (193 cm): most people perceive him as being even taller than he truly is. This is because most observers look up, making the individual appear taller. It's a subtle difference, but it can significantly impact one's perception.

Mathematical Rounding and Shrinking Spines

From a mathematical standpoint, 3.4 inches rounds down to 3 inches. However, the human body undergoes slight compression throughout the day due to gravity. This means that when you first wake up in the morning, you might actually be taller than you are later in the day. Therefore, if you measure your height immediately after waking up, you might find that you're exactly 6'4" (193 cm) without being dishonest.

A Story to Support the Claim

To illustrate my point, I recount a personal experience from last summer when I worked as an extra on a television production. The production team preferred to have multiple costumes ready for fittings and required precise measurements, including height. I wanted to report my height as accurately as possible: 5'6.75" (169.5 cm). However, when I arrived, the tag on my costume bag read, "Leslie Cage, 5'7" (170 cm)."

These professionals round up to the nearest inch, indicating that it's okay to round up to 6'4" (193 cm) in most cases. The key takeaway is to measure yourself first thing in the morning to ensure the most accurate reading.

Perception and Social Dynamics

While being honest about your height is generally a good practice, you might be able to get away with rounding up if you're among shorter people. However, if someone significantly taller is nearby, they might notice the discrepancy and question your claim.

It's also worth considering that the number of people taller than you might matter more in certain social situations. For example, most people perceive me at 6'2.75" (190 cm) to be 6'3" (191 cm) due to the effect of shoes. The actual numerical value of your height doesn't make much difference; what really matters is the number of people taller than you and whether that matters to those around you.

Conclusion

In summary, while you can stretch the truth slightly when it comes to your height, it's essential to be mindful of the context and the people around you. For the most part, you can get away with rounding up to 6'4" (193 cm) if you measure yourself in the morning and you're among shorter individuals. However, if you're around taller people, honesty is always the best policy.