Being a woman and living life entails that there are experiences you go through that society, in general, and men, in particular, cannot understand or empathise with. And it’s not that we crave their understanding, but sadly, we live in a man’s world. One very basic example is menstruation. The extent of myths and misinformed ideologies surrounding periods is immeasurable. Getting menstruation leave from offices is a hassle because the corporate foundation has not been designed in consideration of women’s bodies.
Not just periods and biological changes, there are so many other ‘experiences’ part of our everyday realities that may appear not-so-ordinary to the world. Women on Reddit are talking about just that. Here’s what they’re saying –
1. “That when you menstruate, it can come out in chunks. Like raw liver.”
2. “Having to concentrate really hard to have an orgasm.”
3. “Going to the doctor for a legitimate problem only to be treated as dramatic/lying/attention-seeking/depressed/overweight and then outright dismissed because you are female. And not getting the help you need.”
4. “Professionally speaking – getting dismissed, ignored or overlooked (usually in favor of a man). I work in IT and was trying to set up a new phone system. My boss (a male) put me in charge of it because I had just done something similar at my previous job. Anyway, I kept telling him that my contact at the company we were switching to kept ignoring me and basically calling my questions stupid when he would answer me. My boss heard me, but didn’t fully understand what the issue was…until he actually saw it happen. I sent an email asking a question, and it was ignored – he sent an email asking the same question and received an immediate answer. My boss’ jaw just dropped.”
5. “Discharge can bleach underwear. Not stain, actually remove color.”
6. “Working a full time job and also doing 90% of the chores and childcare.”
7. “Men can say ‘I want a baby’ ‘Let’s try for a baby!’ and only have to orgasm for that to happen. His partner will then carry the weight of a growing fetus in her uterus, which is painful, scary, uncomfortable, and can have permanent affects on your health and body. Some moms don’t lose the pregnancy weight. Some moms have severe PPD. Some moms’ bodies never fully bounce back. … and way more after baby is born.”
– acid-cat
8. “Tiny jeans pockets.”
9. “Bleeding from your vagina. Happens every month once you start puberty, then it happens for WEEKS at a time after you give birth vaginally. And the blood is just normal to us.”
– no5of7
10. “I remember when ‘Me too’ first was a thing I overheard two male coworkers chatting in absolute amazement every single lady they were close enough to have discussed it with had had SOME SORT of unwanted interaction with a dude sexual harassing/cat calling/sexually pressuring them. As someone that has experienced that crap since age 11, I had to laugh at their ignorance.”
– AlDe
11. “How much thought we give to our safety – ‘is that a good route?’ Making sure you have your keys in your hand as you approach your car. That kind of thing.”
12. “Having to be hyperaware of your environment if you are walking somewhere after dark.”
We’re women, this is our life, and we’ve only just begun…
