"I genuinely think you should not have preferences for things people cannot control"

Surely you're not serious? You think people CHOOSE their preferences?

I agree it's a bit insensitive to go on about a tall preference in the presence of a short person, just as it's a bit insensitive for so many of the blokes I know to go on about "boobs" in my presence, but them's the breaks really. People ARE entitled to prefer tall men, or busty women, or whatever. I just remind myself about the disconnect between words and actions. Pretty much everyone may SAY they like boobs, but in reality, I've had no shortage of suitors, so their stated preference doesn't necessarily line up with what or who they're happy with in reality. Also bear in mind that a preference is an "all other things being equal" thing. In reality all things are NOT equal; I wouldn't have the choice of dating a 5'4" José or a 5'10" José, my only choice is to date you or not date you, based on ALL of your qualities as a whole person. Some people will let a preference be a dealbreaker, but lots won't.