All women go through a terrible time each month while they have their period. Depression that isn’t really under our control, a bloated stomach, horrendous cramps, and sometimes even zits – who wouldn’t be bad-tempered if this is something that happened every month for a certainty? And yet, oddly enough, it’s men who grumble about being victims of our mood-swings! To make our That Time of the Month just a wee bit easier for us – and also for all the men in our lives – we drew up some guidelines for what not to say to a woman on her period. 🙂
1. The constant “Are you all right?” thing
Hell yeah, we are all right – just in pain and a little irritated and tired. It’s nice of you to show your concern, but please don’t ask repeatedly – it makes us feel even crankier.
2. “Let’s go party, it will make you feel better!”
Excuse me? Do you mean you actually think dressing up in clothes that makes us feel all bulgy and heels that are going to kill our hamstrings and add to the backache and dance till we sweat is going to make us feel better?
3. “Why do you look so exhausted?”
Drain out blood from your system incessantly, tolerate the stomach cramps and still carry on with everyday chores – and you’ll know why we look exhausted.
4. “Your tummy looks bloated.”
Are you serious? You think it’s appropriate to tell a woman she looks fat when she has her period? Actually, you think it’s appropriate to tell a woman at any time that she looks fat? Argh.
5. “Darling, the pulao doesn’t taste as delicious today.”
Dude. Just be happy she put something on the table to eat, and appreciate the fact that she cares enough to keep you fed. Critiquing her culinary skills is NOT going endear you to her. Cooking her a nice meal might make her feel a whole lot better, though – so think about it!
6. “Why don’t you just take some medicine and chill?”
We could give you a dozen reasons why many of us avoid using meds – and we do take them when things are really bad. Don’t make medication sound like a casual thing – it poses serious health risks.
7. “You’re so cranky!”
If you think she is cranky, wait till you see what happens after you say this! No matter how ill-tempered she seems, hold your tongue. For just a few days. Please.
8. “Let’s go for a swim…”
Are you kidding?! No swimming, no rain-drenched walks, no water dances. Okay? Okay.
9. “Do you want to go trekking? The exercise might make you feel better.”
Do. Not. Say. This. Make sure her bed is comfortable, give her a hot water bottle, and take off for a trek yourself if you can’t deal with the situation – though we will judge you if you do that.
10. “No.”
You know what the rule of the thumb is? Say yes to whatever she says. She wants to eat a scoop of ice-cream with cucumber? Say okay. She wants to discuss tetchy sanitary napkin stuff? Join in. Do NOT say no.
11. “I don’t think you should go to the temple with us…”
People, having one’s period is a normal biological function – healthy and necessary. It has nothing to do with sanctity and purity. Don’t try to impose your regressive beliefs on her.
12. I guess we should talk later, after your period is over.
Are you trying to imply that a woman who is menstruating isn’t rational? Yes, we do act a little crazy, we admit, but you’re not supposed to make a big deal out of it! Be a little sensitive.
13. Don’t you think you’re eating a lot today?
Just let her be. Let her eat all the junk she wants, and buy her some of her favourite chocolates. If you think she’s eating too much, keep that opinion to yourself.
MUST-READ: 18 Signs That You Are PMSing!
MUST-READ: 5 Ways to Have a Pain-Free Period