I’m a 5’3” man in my twenties. By all external measures I’m very confident: I’m considered handsome, I’m financially well-off, and I usually hold a high-status, unshaken demeanor. Today an acquaintance (female, a year younger) who is noticeably taller than me came close. Although I’d normally regard her as average-looking, the moment I fully registered that she was taller, my body went out of control—hands trembling, heavy sweating, a feeling of being a helpless child, and a near-complete loss of physical composure. I wasn’t just nervous; it felt like an entire system shutdown. I’m trying to understand what that was psychologically. Was it a panic attack, a narcissistic injury, acute ego threat, or something else? I want to prevent it from happening again. Any professional or personal insights deeply appreciated. submitted by /u/SnooGoats8326
Originally posted by u/SnooGoats8326 on r/AskMen