The joys of being a woman
Fellas, this one is strictly for the girls. Unless you're here in order to research the psychology of your wife or girlfriend, in which case, welcome! But remember, you were warned...
Ladies (and inquisitive gentlemen) after thirty-one years on this earth I am finally prepared to admit that I suffer from that which a huge number of women experience on a regular basis. And by regular, I mean monthly - if you catch my drift (and I think you do).
Woah, wait, don't close your browser in disgust just yet! This is most definitely not an entry strictly about periods (I wish I could say the same for the material of far too many a female comedian). My greater concern is what happens to me in the week or so leading up to getting my... gah, I already said the p-word once, I'm not going to say it again.
Before you start wailing about how I should be proud to be a woman and that I'm letting down the sisterhood by not embracing my menstrual cycle, know this: you are wasting your breath because it ain't gonna happen. I am just not one of those girls who can wax lyrical about something quite so private and, let's face it, gross.
For crying out loud, my comfort on the topic is so non-existent that even though this blog is called The Girls' Guide, it's taken me two and a bit years to finally get up the courage to write an entry about something that really is one of the defining factors of being a girl. Even then I'm really only skirting around the edges.
Right, where was I? Ah yes, so up until now I didn't really want to admit that I am affected by my 'friend' (I mean really, who coined this term?) outside of the usual physical pains and whatnot. You can't control tummy cramps and sore boobies, but as an emotionally-strong, independent lady you should be able to keep your emotions in check, right?
Er, perhaps not.
It seems the truth has become increasingly difficult to deny so I am here to tell you that twelve times a year, for a good few days at a time, I turn into an absolute wreck.
Why didn't I manage to write a blog yesterday morning? Because I chose to uncontrollably sob over something that was mildly frustrating for about, oh, I dunno, two hours instead.
Those who know me well would tell you that I am a very stubborn and often cynical person who likes to be in control (gosh, don't I sound delightful?) With this in mind, the fact I am routinely plagued by emotional meltdowns isn't something I'm particularly comfortable admitting.
If you want an idea of how bad it can be, then get a load of this - I have been known to sit on the floor in front of my wardrobe weeping like a new widow because I can't find a shoe. The worst part is, this exact scenario has occurred more than once.
There you have it, my PMS manifests itself by turning me into a big over-sensitive crybaby. But enough about me... Aside from the physical (unless you really feel the urge to tell us about your hormonal break outs), how does the lead-up to the big event affect you? Perhaps you become snappy and argumentative, or maybe you find yourself more clucky than usual? It might even be that you become more compassionate and caring? Whatever it is, I want you to share.
And guys, if you're still with me, firstly - well done you! Secondly, you might have another angle to offer here. In what ways do the women in your life change when they are heading towards that special time each month?
Hooboy, this could get ugly.
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Oh how I feel your pain. Sore boobs before hand. Wicked cramps day of. But the emotional stuff is the killer. I can alternate between being quite rude and snapping at people, and feeling really really depressed. About nothing. Nothing at all. But I feel so low and utterly miserable. And then the next day I'm totally fine.
I usually have no idea when I'm due - the only clue it's on its way is I'll maybe get a pimple and want lots of sex. This is not so different to the rest of the month. I don't love this part of being a woman, but it's nothing more than a minor inconvenience in my case. Lucky me by the sound of things!
Firstly, big ups for broaching the subject! Secondly, I tend to be an emotional wreck for about a week. And it always surprises me even though I should see it coming. I get really angry, then proceed to burst into tears over the smallest thing (say, a missing drink bottle or a stubbourn cat who won't come in at night). No chirpiness what-so-ever. I'm a snappy, argumentative, cry baby. *sigh* I can only imagine what my hormones will do when I decide to have kids.
I'm just the same - will snap into glumness at the drop of a hat. Can't open a drawer properly? Upset to the point where I may cry. It's all completely irrational, but completely predictable! My hubby knows the drill now, he knows how to handle me during that time haha! Bless him.
I can feel alot of comments about this blog coming on!!
In the few days before my "friend" arrives I am VERY short tempered and am known to cry about ANYTHING. And my poor man thing has to put up with it all. I feel for him. I know I would hate me if I had to deal with that once a month. I also crave chocolate like its going out of fashion and have noticed I spend more money (ie clothes shopping) in that week leading up to it than any other time. Hormones huh, stupid stupid things.
I found this entry quite scary for the sheer fact I have been on the injection for the last 9 years therefore haven't experienced "the big event" for that time. I am now looking at coming off the injection onto the pill so we can have children next year... mood swings scare me, not being in control of my emotions scares me so the fact that you a seemingly rational girl admits to bawling at shoes makes me a bit apprehensive of the whole monthly event...
I managed to make it through with one eye covered...
My girl gets a bit of a short fuse which is my warning signal to take it easy. Other than that she is pretty good! No meltdowns of any sort, I just have to remember not to push her buttons or I'll be on a one way trip to Silent-treatment Town.
(hehe, Jane said boobies)
Well I don't think I am any more or less emotional at one time of the month than another... then again an old boyfriend did mention once that he avoided bringing up certain topics at certain times 'cause he didn't want me overreacting. Coincidence? Yes, and that's all I'm going to say.
I used to be pretty much unaffected by my cycle - minimal cramps, no mood swings. I caught me by surprise more often than not. That all changed after going on hormonal contraception for a couple of years. I'm now off it, but the effects are still with me. Now about 9/12 times I get warning cramps & mild depression. I'm ambivalent about the cramps, they suck, but they're a good early warning system (along with the crazy libido boost I get the day before the cramps. It's a 2-tier system).
But a guaranteed 9-10 days a year where all I want to do is curl up in bed, sleep & cry over absolutely nothing? What a waste of my time. Even if I get myself up, go to work or get out, I don't function at 100% that day.
And all I have left to say is, Mooncups for the win. I've saved so much in the last couple of years through not buying tampons, the thing's paid for itself about 4 times over. Hopefully I've now grossed out any guys & maybe half the girls. Mission accomplished. Time for a wine.
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During that time I just let her win all arguments and try share the remote more..