The tampon conversation seems like it's going to ruin my relationship with my crush

Girls, I use tampons during my period because I feel more comfortable. But my boyfriend said some weird things the other day about women who use tampons. So, should I hide that I’m on my period, or should I just be open about it and talk about it? What do you think I should do?

So what exactly did he say? I mean, when he said “weird things,” what did he mean? Did you think he might react badly if he found out she was on her period, or did something specific related to the tampon come up?

I think you shouldn’t hide it, because if you don’t talk about it from the beginning, you’ll be stressed all the time. A lot of my friends at uni were hesitant to talk about their periods, and then they always had a hard time because of their partners. I think you should be clear.

Actually, I think the problem lies more in the prejudices in their mind rather than you using a tampon here. But maybe it’s not them who are uncomfortable; maybe you’re blowing this out of proportion. It happens sometimes; both sides’ perceptions get skewed. It would be better to talk openly.

There are still misconceptions about tampons. Some men think they are “unhealthy” or associate them with sexuality. In reality, there is no such connection; it is a healthy method as long as it is used correctly. However, if you don’t normalize tampons, it can create ongoing tension for you.

She said something like: ‘Those who use tampons are already accustomed to other things physically.’ I didn’t let it show at that moment, but it has always stayed in my mind. It feels like I’m being judged for having learned this.

But that thing he said is quite rude. There are still such stereotypes in society, as if those who use tampon are a ‘different’ group. It’s a completely normal need; I think it would be hard to maintain a relationship without fixing that mindset. But of course, you can’t really know what someone is like without talking.