Discussions about body positivity, natural body functions, and acceptance are more prevalent than ever, but sometimes, certain taboos still exist that many find hard to break.
One such topic is menstruation. A woman’s choice to leave menstrual pads in a shared bathroom sparked disagreement.
Unsightly Surprise
A woman, her husband, and his friend shared a rented apartment with a single bathroom during their vacation. Upon starting her menstrual cycle, the woman purchased some pads and placed them on the bathroom counter inside a semi-sheer bag.
This seemingly innocuous act became the center of a disagreement when her husband expressed concerns about the visibility of the menstrual products, fearing it might make his friend uncomfortable.
The Husband’s Concern
The husband’s discomfort was not merely about the pads being in plain sight. It was deeply rooted in the societal stigma associated with menstruation.
“My husband thought this was inappropriate and could make his friend uncomfortable, knowing someone in the apartment is bleeding.”
The Woman’s Perspective
In response, the woman emphasized that menstruation is a natural and regular occurrence for many women.
“Menstruation is a natural process and should not be considered gross or dirty. Women shouldn’t be shamed or stigmatized because of it, as this has historically caused women to suffer.”
Acceptance of Reality
One commenter pointed out that anyone living with a menstruating woman should accept that menstrual products will be within reach. They humorously added that if the logic was to hide menstrual products, then perhaps tissues should be hidden when someone has a cold.
A few others emphasized that menstrual supplies are just a regular part of human existence.
Another commenter mentioned it would be a different story if the pads were used and left unwrapped on the counter. However, the mere presence of unopened menstrual products shouldn’t be an issue.
Seeking Male Feedback
The woman later added a note to her story, seeking feedback specifically from male individuals. She asked,
“Can we get any feedback from males? My husband says all responses are from females, and that’s why I was voted NTA (Not The A******)!”
Men’s Perspective
In response, a verified male commenter expressed disbelief that the husband was upset over unopened feminine hygiene products on the counter. He humorously suggested that the husband’s reaction was akin to that of a 12-year-old boy.
Another commenter, who identified himself as a man, shared that he carries menstrual products in his bag as part of a first aid kit. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for emergencies and mentioned a past incident where his significant other needed a pad and didn’t have one.
He further stated that the husband’s reaction indicated an uneducated and possibly misogynistic upbringing. He urged the husband to reconsider his views, especially if he ever becomes a father to a daughter.
Disgust & Taboo
For many men, menstruation remains a mysterious and misunderstood process. The societal taboo surrounding menstruation, combined with a lack of education, often leads to feelings of discomfort or even disgust.
This is evident in how many men use euphemisms to avoid directly addressing the topic. The unfamiliarity with the female reproductive system and associations with bodily waste further exacerbate these negative perceptions.
Acceptance & Understanding
On the other hand, some men view menstruation as a natural and essential process. Conversations about menstruation within the family, especially in households with female siblings, can play a pivotal role in shaping a more accepting and understanding perspective.
As society progresses and conversations around menstruation become more open, there’s hope that more men will view it without prejudice or discomfort.
Societal norms, family upbringing, and personal experiences might influence the husband’s perspective on menstrual products. By understanding these factors, couples can foster better communication and empathy towards each other’s experiences.
More from Viral Chatter
Modern dating is a complex web of expectations, preferences, and sometimes, the most unexpected deal-breakers.
In a recent incident that has taken the internet by storm, a woman’s decision to walk out on a date over a seemingly trivial matter has sparked a widespread debate on dating etiquette, personal values, and the cost of cheese.
She’s Angry: Girlfriend Being Prioritized Over “Girl Friend”
Friendships formed in childhood often become set in stone. Best friends forever.
But once life starts getting in the way, the building blocks to those friendships may begin to chip away.
For this one Redditor, she expressed hurt when her relationship with her best friend started to change when he got a girlfriend.
The OP (original poster), was looking to know whether she is the a****le in her fight with her best friend.
Sources
- lifestyle.em-lyon.com/2021/03/17/menstruation-why-are-some-men-disgusted/
This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter. It was inspired by this Reddit thread.
Read Next:
Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
