How to Be the Best Supportive Partner During Your Partner’s Period
The Role of Men in Supporting Their Partner’s Menstruation
As I sat on the couch, scrolling through my phone, I couldn’t help but think about the old saying:
“Behind every great man is a great woman.”
I realized in that moment, that being a supportive partner to my wife meant more than just being there for her in the good times. It meant being present and understanding during the tough times too, and that included her monthly period.
It’s a fact of life that many people try to avoid talking about, but the truth is that menstruation is a normal and necessary part of a woman’s reproductive system. And as a husband, it’s important to recognize and support your partner through this natural process.
But let me be clear, supporting your partner during their period goes beyond just buying tampons and offering a shoulder to cry on. It’s about understanding the physical and emotional changes they may be going through and being present and supportive every step of the way.
I’ll admit, when my wife first started talking to me about her period and how it affected her body and emotions, I was a bit clueless.
I had no idea what PMS was or how it could impact my wife’s mood and energy levels. But as I learned more and paid attention to her needs, I started to see just how much my support and understanding meant to her.
One thing I’ve learned is that every woman is different and may experience their period differently. Some may experience severe cramps, while others may have very little discomfort. Some may have intense mood swings, while others may not experience any significant changes.
It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and that it’s important to ask your partner how they are feeling and what they need from you.
One way I’ve been able to show my support is by simply being present and listening to my wife when she needs to talk. I’ve found that simply asking how she’s doing and actively listening to her can make a huge difference in her mood and overall well-being.
In addition to offering a listening ear, it’s also important to be understanding and patient with your partner during this time. PMS can often lead to irritability and mood swings, and it’s important to remember that these changes are not a personal attack on you.
I’ve also learned the importance of being proactive in helping my wife manage any physical discomfort she may be experiencing. For example, I make sure to have pain medication on hand, offer to run errands or do household chores to lighten her load, and even give her a back rub or foot massage to help her relax.
But it’s not just about the physical support, it’s also about the emotional support. My wife has told me that it helps her feel loved and appreciated when I take the time to show her that I understand and am there for her, no matter what.
As Dr. Jane Greer, relationship expert and author of “What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship,” so eloquently put it — “Periods can be a difficult time for women, both physically and emotionally.
It’s important for a partner to be understanding and supportive during this time and to make an effort to be there for their partner in any way they can.
Whether it’s through physical gestures of love and affection, or simply being present and available to listen, a little bit of understanding can go a long way in helping your partner feel loved and appreciated.”
I’ve learned that being a supportive partner during my wife’s period means being understanding and patient, being proactive in helping her manage any physical discomfort, and offering emotional support. It’s not always easy, but it’s a small price to pay for the love and appreciation it brings to our relationship.
So, to any husband or male partner out there reading this, I encourage you to take the time to understand and support your partner during their period. It may seem like a small gesture, but it can make a big difference in your relationship and show your partner just how much you care about them.
And to any woman reading this, don’t be afraid to communicate with your partner about your needs and how they can support you during this time. It’s important to have open and honest communication in any relationship, and that includes discussing the ups and downs of menstruation.
In the end, it’s about being there for each other and showing love and understanding in all aspects of life, including during the tough times.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
So, let’s make our partners feel loved and supported, especially during their period.
