u/Realistic-Option-158

I’m not asking for relationship advice!! I’m hoping some of you beautiful people can help ME with this feeling I’m experiencing.

I’ve started seeing a wonderful man and he just so happens to be about 2” shorter than me. It seriously doesn’t bother me at all. I think we look very cute together, and he actually loves that I’m taller. He’s very secure and his confidence hasn’t wavered, which I love.

But when we’re standing together, I can’t help but feel giant. Why do I feel SO LARGE? He’s not that much shorter, and we’re probably around the same weight (~120 lbs). So why does it feel like I’m towering over him? Is this body dysmorphia? It’s starting to really bother me. I feel almost like I’m sticking out or something.

Has anyone felt similarly, or have any idea how I can move past this feeling?

Edit: a lot of people are pointing out that the height difference does bother me. I want to reiterate that yes I am bothered, clearly, but it’s by how I am FEELING by being the taller one. I’m bothered by me being bothered! It’s obviously hard to describe, but some wonderful people have also felt similarly so I believe my description came off as intended, and people who haven’t experienced it just may not know that there is a difference.

This momentous f-up happened last night/this morning and will haunt me forever. Apologies for any mistakes, I’m still a mess and just needed to get this off my chest.

For background, I have been talking to someone (we'll call him B) on and off for about 7 years now. We had a short fling when we first met, and ever since, he has been constantly traveling. We have stayed in touch when we were single, little flirty exchanges here and there, but nothing substantial. So imagine my excitement when I found out B would be home for a whole week! We instantly knew we wanted to take the opportunity to finally meet up again.

We met up yesterday and the evening was amazing. He was so kind and loving. He was just a wonderful gentleman. We talked a lot, and it turns out travel is winding down, and he's excited about being home. The hope that this could be just the break we needed to give things a real go started creeping in. We have so much in common, our goals align, our politics align - everything was sounding so perfect. And we're both older, so this wasn't just infatuated rose-colored glasses. We both know what we want, and had an honest conversation about it.

The date was going very well, so we decided to go back to his place. I met his cute dog, he gave me a little house tour, yadda yadda. Long story short, I ended up spending the night. The next morning (this morning), as I was getting ready to leave, I realized I couldn't find my socks. I asked B if he'd seen them, and he bolted straight out of bed and started freaking out. I was very confused, asked what was wrong, and he told me his dog eats socks. My stomach immediately sank. Apparently, his dog had eaten a lot of socks and has had several foreign body removal surgeries. So many, in fact, that the vet warned that the dog might have to be euthanized if he were to need another removal because there simply wasn't enough lining left in his stomach. I am full-blown in tears at this point.

Meanwhile, the dog is right there wagging his tail at us. Obviously, this was a complete accident, but B is very, very upset. He is drilling me on when the last time I saw them was, where I put them, etc., and I really didn't know. I don't have a dog, and didn't pay attention at all to where my socks were taken off, let alone when.

So after tearfully apologizing and offering any help I can think of, he asks me to leave and gets the dog ready to go to the vet. I drove home sobbing, sockless in my sneakers serving as a reminder of my insane fuck up. I sent a profuse apology and again offered to help in whatever way I can. I don't expect a response, honestly. This was not intended at all and even though he didn't directly blame me, obviously if his dog has to be put down, it's because of my socks. I am absolutely riddled with guilt, and also selfishly devastated that my chances with this amazing guy are gone.

TL:DR; Completely ruined my chances with an amazing guy because his dog ate my socks and may not survive it.