Shauna Rae, a young woman who faces unique challenges due to her youthful appearance, is candidly sharing her experiences about dating and the unwanted attention she’s received. At 25 years of age, Rae appears much younger, standing at just 3 feet 10 inches and weighing around 50 pounds, a result of a childhood illness that stunted her growth.
Her story gained public interest when she appeared on her TLC show, “I Am Shauna Rae,” where she shares her journey into adulthood. However, dating has been particularly problematic for Rae. She often attracts individuals with inappropriate motives, a situation she discussed during an episode of The Unplanned Podcast.
“Many people don’t get that I am, in fact, an adult,” she remarked. Rae is often treated like a child in public, offered kiddie menus and crayons at restaurants, and struggles with being taken seriously.
Besides the humorous misunderstandings, there have been tougher times. In the podcast, Rae shared a story from her late teenage years about a tumultuous and abusive relationship. She was asked by the podcast host, Matt Howard, if she had ever encountered direct abuse, to which she confirmed she had indeed been in a very abusive relationship.
Rae explained that it began with small gestures – a grab here, a push there – escalating eventually into frightening and harmful actions. She described her former partner as beginning with grabbing her wrist and progressively becoming more aggressive, even physically hitting her.
“This person was not good,” she shared, revealing how she realized the extent of the abuse after receiving alarming text threats, prompting her to end the relationship.
Now, Rae stresses the importance of seeking help early. “If someone doesn’t lift you up, it’s time to reconsider,” she advised. “Relationships should improve who you are; otherwise, it might be time to walk away.” For those facing fear or intimidation, talking to someone and stepping away is crucial.
Rae continues to speak openly about navigating life with her appearance. “Being a small girl in this world can easily make you a target for the wrong kind of attention,” she acknowledged. As a young woman, she found dating daunting, often questioning potential suitors’ true intentions, which sometimes prevented her from forming connections altogether.
Her parents provided her with valuable advice on relationships, emphasizing the importance of seeking a partner who values personality and loyalty over physical appearance. They advised her to seek friendships first and foremost, and through time, perhaps a loving relationship could blossom from a strong foundation of companionship.
“Looks will eventually fade, but a strong bond and friendship last,” her parents wisely said. Rae believes that truly knowing someone can lay the groundwork for meaningful relationships, characterized by mutual respect and understanding.
