Challenging the Taboo

What do u think of when u hear the word ‘period’? You probably think of the end of a sentence or perhaps a class period. But not a girl’s period right? It’s just too gross right? I have asked four guys this question: “What is the grossest thing about the female gender?” The majority said, “the period.” One guy said that he thinks periods are cool because he understands the biology of it. That’s cool. But not every guy agrees. My guy friend in college says he does not like the blood because he is afraid of getting AIDS. Understandable right? So many guys are inhuman to the fact this is a natural thing. But when they do acknowledge it they’re all like “she must be PMSing.” They are pretty inconsiderate to how women feel during our six days of misery.

When you tell them about it they usually just pretend like they’re comfortable with it and then the truth comes out later. And it hurts- it hurts to find out the truth. And then you realize that it is not worth crying over because the human guy is out there-you just have to find him, and sometimes-he’s the guy you talk to everyday. On the rare occasion, they can handle it, and they ask you so many questions about it and make you feel less ashamed about it. But they need to realize that women don’t ask for a period-it just comes and we’re stuck with it.

This is a taboo subject that needs to be addressed and dealt with. I have no shame in telling a guy that I’m on my period or that I’m cramping. Ladies, don’t be ashamed. If a guy can’t handle it then he is inhuman to your feelings. It doesn’t matter if your not dating him, he should be able to handle it. He should not discourage you from sharing your feelings. Why can’t guys just be happy that they don’t have one? Guys, man up! Deal with it! Every woman gets one and please don’t make us feel ashamed about it. It’s okay to say words like “period” and “tampon.” This is a life skill and guys, you will have wife someday, perhaps just a girlfriend, or a female friend, and you need to be comfortable with the fact that she has a period.

I don’t understand how guys can deal with so many hard tasks in life and confront so many social issues but they can’t be human to the fact that women have a period. Surprise us! Ask us about it. Break the barrier that society has put up.

- Heidi R