What not to do during periods?

When a girl is on her period, there are certain things to avoid doing or saying to ensure she feels comfortable, supported, and respected. While every individual’s experience with menstruation is different, here are some general things not to do during her period:

1. Don’t Make Fun of Her Period

  • Avoid jokes or any comments that make her feel embarrassed or ashamed of something that's a natural biological process. Even if you think it’s light-hearted, jokes like “Are you on your period?” when she's irritated or emotional can feel dismissive and hurtful.

  • Don’t act disgusted by menstruation. It’s important to normalize it and avoid perpetuating the taboo surrounding periods.

2. Don’t Dismiss Her Discomfort

  • Don’t minimize her pain. If she’s experiencing cramps, headaches, or bloating, don’t brush it off with phrases like “It’s not that bad” or “Just get over it.” These comments invalidate her experience and make her feel like her pain isn’t important.

  • Don’t tell her it’s "all in her head". Periods can be physically and emotionally intense. Just because you can’t feel what she’s going through doesn’t mean it’s not real.

3. Don’t Pressure Her Into Sex

  • Don’t pressure her for sex if she’s not feeling up to it. Some women are perfectly comfortable having sex during their period, while others may not feel as sexual or may experience discomfort. Respect her boundaries and communicate openly.

  • Don’t assume she’s "ready" for sex just because you are. If she says she’s not in the mood, don’t push it.

4. Don’t Suggest "Miracle" Cures

  • Avoid giving unsolicited advice like “Have a hot drink” or “Just take some medicine and it will go away” unless she asks for it. While you might want to help, offering unsolicited suggestions about how to fix her period discomfort can come across as invalidating or annoying.

5. Don’t Forget About Hygiene Needs

  • Don’t ignore her need for menstrual products. Make sure she has access to tampons, pads, menstrual cups, or whatever she uses. If she’s out and about, offer to pick up supplies for her.

  • Don’t make her feel uncomfortable about needing to change her products. Periods are a natural part of life, and making someone feel awkward about their need to manage their menstrual hygiene only adds unnecessary stress.

6. Don’t Ignore Her Need for Rest

  • Don’t push her to be super active. If she’s feeling tired, experiencing cramps, or feeling emotionally drained, don’t encourage her to push through it. Allow her to rest without any guilt.

  • Don’t make her feel bad for taking naps or not being as energetic during her period. Some women experience fatigue or discomfort, and it's okay for them to take breaks.

7. Don’t Assume Her Mood Swings Are Just "Period Drama"

  • Avoid assuming her emotions are just because of PMS. Yes, hormonal changes can influence mood, but that doesn’t mean her feelings aren’t valid. If she’s upset, irritated, or sensitive, don’t write it off as "just her period." Instead, be understanding and offer support.

8. Don’t Overwhelm Her with Questions

  • Avoid asking too many questions about her period unless she’s comfortable talking about it. It can make her feel self-conscious or like her experience is being scrutinized. If she opens up, listen and support her, but don’t press her to talk if she doesn’t feel like it.

9. Don’t Ignore Her Pain

  • Don’t act indifferent when she says she has cramps or pain. Acknowledge her discomfort and offer comfort, whether it’s bringing her something to eat, helping her find a heating pad, or simply offering a warm hug.

10. Don’t Be Dismissive About Emotional Needs

  • Don’t belittle her emotional state. While hormonal changes can make some women feel more sensitive or moody, this doesn’t mean they’re being irrational. It’s important to recognize and validate her emotions, whether she's feeling irritable, sad, or overwhelmed.

11. Don’t Overload Her with Plans

  • Don’t make plans for her without considering her period. If you know she’s on her period, don’t assume she’ll want to go to a big social event, go on a strenuous hike, or do something physically demanding. Instead, check in with her about what she feels up for doing.

12. Don’t Forget About Her Comfort

  • Don’t assume she’s fine without asking if she’s comfortable. Sometimes, just checking in and asking, "How are you feeling?" can go a long way. If she’s not feeling well, make sure she has everything she needs (like snacks, comfort, a blanket, or privacy).

13. Don’t Get Too Physical with Her if She’s Not Comfortable

  • Avoid unnecessary touch if she’s feeling sensitive. She may not want to be hugged or kissed as much during her period, so always pay attention to her body language and verbal cues. Respect her space.

In Summary:

Here’s a quick list of things not to do during her period:

  1. Don’t make fun of her period or joke about it.

  2. Don’t dismiss her discomfort or minimize her pain.

  3. Don’t pressure her into sex if she’s not in the mood.

  4. Don’t suggest “quick fixes” unless she asks for advice.

  5. Don’t ignore her need for menstrual products or hygiene.

  6. Don’t push her to be super active if she needs rest.

  7. Don’t assume her mood swings are just “period drama.”

  8. Don’t overwhelm her with questions about her period.

  9. Don’t ignore her pain or emotional needs.

  10. Don’t overload her with plans she might not be up for.

  11. Don’t forget to check in with her comfort level.

By being respectful, supportive, and considerate of her needs, you can create a more positive, understanding environment for her during her period. Every woman is different, so communication is key to figuring out what she needs and how to best support her during this time.

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