When she's on her period, tell her she has no reason to be scared or ashamed and offer support.
It's important to approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. Menstruation is a natural biological process, and your words and actions can significantly impact her comfort and emotional well-being. Here's a breakdown of what you can say and do:
1. Acknowledge and Validate Her Experience:
- Start by acknowledging that she's on her period. Something as simple as, "I know you're on your period right now," shows that you're aware of what she's going through.
- Validate her feelings. Hormonal changes can cause mood swings and discomfort. Saying things like, "It's okay to feel emotional right now," or "I understand that periods can be painful," can be very helpful.
2. Offer Support and Comfort:
- Ask if there's anything you can do to help. This could be anything from getting her a heating pad to running errands. A simple, "Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?" shows you care.
- Offer practical assistance. Consider offering to get her pain relievers (if she usually takes them and it's appropriate), a comforting drink (like herbal tea), or a snack.
- Encourage her to rest and relax. Suggest activities like watching a movie, reading a book, or taking a warm bath.
3. Reassure Her and Address Concerns:
- Emphasize that there's no reason to be ashamed or scared. This is especially important if she's experiencing her first period or if she's had negative experiences in the past. Explain that menstruation is a normal and healthy part of being a woman.
- If she's experiencing pain, suggest coping mechanisms. Mention gentle exercise, deep breathing exercises, or stretching as ways to manage mood swings and discomfort. A heating pad can help with cramps.
- Listen actively to her concerns. Sometimes, she may just want to talk about how she's feeling. Be a good listener and offer support without judgment.
4. Things to Avoid Saying:
- "Are you on your period?" (said in an accusatory or dismissive tone) - This can come across as insensitive and dismissive.
- "Just get over it." - This minimizes her experience and can make her feel invalidated.
- Any joke or comment that makes light of menstruation.
Example Conversation Starters:
- "Hey, I know you're on your period. Is there anything I can do to help you feel more comfortable?"
- "How are you feeling? Periods can be tough, so let me know if you need anything."
- "Want to just relax and watch a movie? I can grab some snacks."
By offering support, understanding, and empathy, you can make her experience with menstruation a little bit easier.
