Here's Why, On Average, Men Shorter Than 5' 9" Have Harder Lives

The average height of a fully-grown male in the United States is 5' 9.5", which means anyone around that height figure is typically used to being close to the same height as anyone else around them.

Unfortunately for some, that growth spurt after puberty doesn't really kick in, and they remain vertically challenged. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but there is some research that suggests men shorter than 5' 9" are more likely to experience hardships throughout life due to the mental impact that being shorter has on the brain.

For example, it's suggested that shorter men are less likely than taller men to exhibit qualities of happiness, and are more likely to be depressed. Additionally, taller men are typically more successful not only in the workplace, but also amid their sex lives than shorter men are.

Being tall has its drawbacks too, for example, some studies have suggested that being taller increases your risk for cancer because you have more cells in your bodily makeup, which means there are more cells available to be affected by cancer. That chance reduces with the fewer number of cells.

If you're shorter than 5' 9", don't fret. It doesn't make you any less of a man. Many people at average heights carry out perfectly normal lives.