I just been told off by my manager for walking across the office with a sanitary towel in my hand!

[TinLeaf]

This afternoon my manager call me into her office. Apparently, a couple of people have spoken to her because I sometimes walk to the office toilets carrying a sanitary towel and it’s making them uncomfortable. She has suggested I take my bag with me instead.

I thought times had moved on and I refuse to be made to feel ashamed of my period. I think the people who have complained are being ridiculous and need to get over it. Aibu?

Stick one on the back of your skirt or trousers and on your forehead as you leave the office the next time and watch their faces in shock. Hardly a firing offence or a talking to offense to carry a pad in your hand. It must be men who are offended. They need to grow up and realize all women have periods. After saying that though I would be bringing my bad and have it in that but maybe am older than you and brought up with shame around sex and periods. I would be tempted to go over to the said men and say sorry did I offend you with my sanitary towel that was unused and watch them go bright red.

@stuntbubbles

Fucking hell. The sensible thing here would be to carry on as normal, and also check the intranet for HR policies on such idiocy. But I’d be highly tempted to sew myself a fringed flapper dress with the fringe made entirely of tampons, and shimmy across the office in it, clapping mooncups together like coconuts.

I've never said this before on SM but I actually genuinely snort laughed out loud at this!! The mental image this conjured up has me in stitches!

I fucking hate that women are supposed to be all coy about periods.

The amount of times I've worked in offices and men have talked loudly to each other about their shits or whatever.

It's a normal bodily function and should be treated as such ffs.

i think in an office ie workplace environment, it is best to be discreet.
and it is not so difficult. handbag/pocket/up sleeve of cardigan/ envelope.
going to the loo is nothing to be ashamed of either, for any use, but why not have some dignity and self respect and respect for others, and not impose the details on colleagues.
i think thing have swung too far.
maybe common sense and common decency will prevail eventually.

Get one of these bags.

www.etsy.com/au/listing/738015514/tampon-bag-period-pouch-sanitary-holder

Personally I think it's rather akin to announcing you're just off for a poo. TMI for the office and discretion is better for all office toilet trips.

A normal human function that affects 50% of the population should not need to be hidden away. Or this: www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/e2-80-98women-e2-80-99s-needs-are-being-overlooked-completely-e2-80-99-what-happens-when-you-get-your-period-during-a-war/ar-AAUWpCM?ocid=uxbndlbing

@stuntbubbles

Fucking hell. The sensible thing here would be to carry on as normal, and also check the intranet for HR policies on such idiocy. But I’d be highly tempted to sew myself a fringed flapper dress with the fringe made entirely of tampons, and shimmy across the office in it, clapping mooncups together like coconuts.

Excellent idea, that made me snort !

@Bergamotte

They can't be working very hard if they notice (assuming you aren't waving it around above your head!)

You could suggest that the company supplies pads and tampons in the toilets to save you having to carry one in.

Wouldn't bother me. I have worked for companies that supplied sanitary products in the toilets so that no one needs to carry them around. Saying that, the ones supplied may not be the ones you like or need so taking your own might be required. The people that complained are being ridiculous.

@SparkleSpangle

While I think it is ridiculous anyone complained. There is something to be said for being discreet. Obviously you are going to have a period but do you need to let everyone know. Just put it in your pocket.

IKR!!! People flaunting their bodily functions without a care!

I really hate it when I see people going into the toilets, do they have to make it so obvious that they are about to have a wee, or God forbid, a poo!!!!!

Maybe your workplace should supply sanitary items and store them in the toilets to prevent the horror of anyone having to carry them through the office!

Totally absurd. So you have to stuff it down your top or sleeve or take your whole handbag just because the sight of a wrapped sanitary towel upsets someone?

And how is simply carrying it not discreet? I assume OP isn't waving it around her head and shouting I'M ON THE BLOB as she walks to the loo.

If you start putting it in a bag now they'll all know what's in the bag anyway!!!

I'm sorry but I disagree. I've worked many years in offices and I've never ever seen anyone walk around with sanitary items on display. Why broadcast you're on your period. I'd rather keep that knowledge to myself. You take your handbag or pop the item somewhere discreet.

I think it’s appropriate to keep personal things private. Why do you want to flash your sanpro around when you’ve been told it makes people feel uncomfortable?

@GayANDguilty

A couple of men?

Yes, men

We really need to move on from the ridiculous idea that periods are shameful, embarrassing and to be hidden. Do these people ask for sanpro to be put in a curtained off area of the supermarket?

How many women take their handbags to the toilets with them when they arent on their period?

@Obira

I think it’s appropriate to keep personal things private. Why do you want to flash your sanpro around when you’ve been told it makes people feel uncomfortable?

She’s taking it to the loo to change it in private. Anyone uncomfortable with merely the SIGHT of sanitary protection doesn’t belong in the workplace, they’re too delicate.

God - some people..

I am a manager, 50 y/o, similar age wife, and my staff have generally been women over the years.

I am embarrassed for the uselessness of your colleagues and manager OP. Are they all 12 y/o?

Can we just confirm it WAS a fresh one?😂

@SparkleSpangle

While I think it is ridiculous anyone complained. There is something to be said for being discreet. Obviously you are going to have a period but do you need to let everyone know. Just put it in your pocket.

Honestly, as a pp said how is it any different than carrying a loo roll to the toilet?

@JudgeRindersMinder

Can we just confirm it WAS a fresh one?😂

It definitely was a fresh one!

Ahhhahaha. Sorry this made me laugh.

The poor delicate men.

I guess some people view sanitary products and periods as private?

Each to their own but personally I wouldn’t want the whole office to know if I’m on my period. Most women I know carry a small make-up bag on their period (don’t you need wipes etc?) Mine has tampax, pads, wipes, spare knickers just in case the mooncup fails!

Another one here on the side of discretion.