At first I was hesitant about writing this post. These are topics that are a bit taboo, topics a lot of people are embarrassed to mention. But then I thought, that’s literally the point I’m trying to make. I used to be embarrassed to speak of these things aloud, but now I’m not. They’re a very real part of my life, and I’m not uncomfortable to have people know about them anymore. So that’s what we’re doing, talking about some of the things I used to be embarrassed about but now embrace fervently.
My period. Period.
Thinking back to junior high and high school, I was mortified by my period. Sure, almost everyone was getting it, but that didn’t make it any less awkward. Going to the school restroom was particularly treacherous. On a normal day, I would just ask for permission and go. During ‘that time,’ I would take my purse. In my mind, that abnormality in routine was so obvious when in reality, no one likely noticed.
Fast forward to today: I don’t care, at all. Yes. I get my period. I wear tampons and pads and liners. This year I’m testing menstrual cups and free flowing period underwear. And yes, you’ll find them in my bathroom, in my purse, in my hand on my way to the bathroom. The body does really cool stuff, and this is just one of those things. Plus, there is so much unnecessary stigma surrounding menstruation. And there is even more misinformation about periods and the menstrual cycle in its totality. Which is crazy to me, because it’s a huge aspect of my personal wellbeing and health. So let’s talk about it … and not be ashamed of carrying a tampon to the bathroom. Because ain’t no one got time for that.
My bra size
Again, this stems from high school. I was a bit of a late bloomer in the boob department, and you might think I’m still in that stage currently. But I digress. At 16, I felt like all of my friends were hot women with a B cup, while I was some child with an A. Years later, I caught up to the enviable B, sometimes C cup, and have been left behind, again, by my friends. Except at 27, I’m cool with that. It is what it is. Boobs are what they are. Not to mention, there are plenty of reasons that having small boobs is cool. Gravity won’t have such a big effect on them. It can be easier to find lumps and bumps. You can essentially wear any kind of top and still look appropriate. And you can get away with going braless. Definitely not upset by it now. I like them.
Buying condoms
Buying condoms used to be so awkward. I used to think people were going to judge me and think poorly of me if they saw me buying them. Now I’ve just decided, if I’m going to use them, someone has to buy them. And it might as well be me. And I always say, what’s the worst someone is going to say? “Wow, this girl is having sex and being responsible.” That doesn’t sound so bad. Either way I’m having sex! I’ve also learned it’s a lot less awkward to go to the store and slip condoms on the counter among countless bags of produce and tortilla chips than it is putting them up there alone. It’s like: bread, milk, condoms. Casual.
Talking about sex
Kind of like buying condoms, I used to think someone would judge me for this. But I’ve just accepted that I’m a sexually active adult female, which is awesome, not embarrassing. I especially found this difficult to talk about with partners, which is the last person you should be afraid to bring up sex with. I’m not meek, but for a large majority of my sexually active life, I was a little intimidated to speak up about what I liked, didn’t like, wanted to try, etc. I’m a lot more open now, and I’m better for it.
I also find, again, there is so much stigma and misinformation that gets spread around sex and its many facets. And if people are embarrassed to talk about it, it won’t ever change. I’m a huge advocate, now, for proper sexual education. And I fully thank becoming sexually aware and also confident in that awareness for that passion.
In conclusion: Don’t feel the need to comment with all of your embarrassing topics (I mean we’re totally open to it here,) but do consider changing your attitude about them. Chances are, you aren’t the only one experiencing these things. Begin embracing them instead. It’s a heck of a lot easier and usually feels like a weight lifted. Make sure you head over to part two of this post with another list of things I used to be embarrassed about but now…not so much. (And it’s just getting weirder.)
You may also be interested in these posts:
- Things I Used to Be Embarrassed About Part 2
- 4 Compliments That Aren’t About My Looks
- What Self-Care Looks Like to Me
Let's Chat!