Couple's Guide to Discussing the Cycle
Week Three Learning Resource: MasterClass Series Winter Semester 2024
Earlier this week, my husband, Brendan, joined me around the microphone to share his thoughts: Should Men Learn About the Cycle?
The conclusion we both came to after years of practicing cycle awareness in our relationship was this:
A healthy & loving partnership acknowledges ALL of you, including your menstrual cycle.
I know the world has asked you to hide your cycle / your period from everyone (re: slipping a tampon up your sleeve to walk to the bathroom).
But shouldn’t your most important relationship be able to make space for the ways the cycle impacts your physical, mental & emotional health on a daily basis?
One reader weighed in on her reaction to what it’s like to experience PMS with a romantic partner:
Your cycle is a part of you & impacts…
your sex life
emotional intimacy
communication style
food & activity choices
mood & energy levels
I get it though… this topic is taboo. Periods are triggering.
If you or your partner is someone who has experienced abortion, pregnancy scares & the like… it’s almost easier to avoid the conversation altogether. Who wants to process through heavy feelings like that?
You also may not have had the most positive experience with your period over the years. Cramps suck. Paying for period products is an unfair burden on women’s budgets. Checking your ass every couple hours on day one of your period is a frickin PAIN.
You don’t need to feel alone, especially in a partnership.
A cycle conscious relationship helps ALL of you feel seen.
Practicing cycle awareness supports you in the ups & downs of your premenstrual moods, but it also helps you to know when to schedule things like finance meetings or family outings.
My favorite part is feeling supported with special “period” food like burgers & bone broth. It’s just one simple way that Brendan helps me feel loved & held in my womanly experience.
Your primary focus in opening up a conversation with your partner is to feel less like you have to “compartmentalize” certain parts of your life.
This discussion guide is going to walk you through how to approach the topic in the most comfortable way for both you and your partner.
I designed all five steps to be easy to integrate into your relationship dynamic so that you feel seen, heard, understood and LOVED in the most intimate partnership of your life.
step one:
Start by mentioning in passing, that you want to talk about the cycle one day.
If you’re not ready to even say this, try taking a quick inventory regarding how much you know about the cycle (coming Monday, February 5th!).
I also have a variety of learning resources to prepare you for that conversation 😉