In my immediate family I am the shortest male - 5'4"; my brother is a whopping 5'6" and father was about 5'7" (can't really remember).  My stature is the result of bad genes-- classic Italian short guy syndrome, with my uncles, grandfathers, and all my great uncles being no more than 5'5" either.  But, then there are my male cousins and second cousins: many of them made it up in to normal height range and have had successful lives being blissfully unaware of any height issues.  Many of them are quite self-assured because they have never suffered the emotional distress of being short.  Maybe about five of them are my size, and I love standing around talking to them at a family party: it's SOOOO nice to talk to their faces, not their chests.   Another factor is that my mother was stressed by shock and grief and smoked heavily during her pregnancy with me.  Doctors claim it stunted my growth.  

Being attractive and confident will add perceived inches to your frame.  I'm 60 now, so this is a from a lifetime of experience.  If you have a reputation of hard work, genuine charm, genuine care for other people, going the extra mile, confidence, team spirit, etc.  -- all those qualities will make you desirable and give you a great reputation.  I've had people exclaim when they met me in person that they imagined a larger man, based on my accomplishments and reputation.  Let's be real for a moment, guys.  Yeah, at first I was a bit taken aback.  You know the drill. But, I took it as a compliment.  My close friends and colleagues don't even notice my height, other than as a fact (like hair color or skin tone).  Personality can fill in the gap we all sense. 

Here's the essence of it.  Yes, we were handed a raw deal by having to go through our entire lives in bodies that we and others around us perceive to be inadequate.  Yup, it's not fair. Yup, life is switched on 'hard' for us the whole time.  But, if you come across as a a too-confident jerk, or if people see you as angry, insecure, ticked-off, full of despair, etc. you lose twice.  Don't do it.  Yes, we all have reason to be bummed about being short because it truly is a bummer, but it's up to you to make the very best of it.  People will respect you and love you and enjoy your company if they think this thought, "He's short, but he is attractive and successful because he overcame a raw deal and succeeded anyway."  That's sexy to good people.  Forget what bad people think.  

Does this help anyone?  I pray it does.  I wish someone could have convinced ME of all this 40 years ago.

For david170cm:

Yes, in your case, you must feel like you got gypped genetically.  I know the pain. Almost all of my cousins and 2nd cousins are normal height. I've never been happy for a minute of my life being 5'4". If you think 5'7" is bad, try 5'4". It ranges from 'challenging' to 'hell' in a world designed to favor tall men in every circumstance.  Unlike you, though, I have fathered three children. My sons are 5'11" and 5'8" - both military men.  It can happen. Yes, it's a risk, but a man my size can produce sons that size.  You very well could, too, because genetically you carry the gene for tall males.  I know other men my size who don't seem to be terribly bothered about their short stature at all (which seems bizarre and impossible to me), so it is also possible you could have a son who's your size, but is of a temperament that does not mind it. 

Anyway, just food for thought.  Honestly, until I was 25 I didn't want to risk having any sons either, for the same reason you cited.  But God and my wife changed my mind.  My daughters-in-law are very glad they did.     

60.