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?

The poor delicate men.

I'd carry on doing what you're doing.

@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.

I agree. It's not shameful however the majority of posters agreeing with OP most likely do not carry their pad across the office. So why they are encouraging OP to do it is absolutely hilarious...

Make yourself a snazzy looking blouse from
This fabric -

www.spoonflower.com/en/fabric/7722517-tampons-red-on-white-by-jelliclestudio

Why are they freaked out by sanitary towels. . How old are your work colleagues 9

Yeah it’s odd. Your manager is right. Take your bag with your Sanpro in it.

@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.

I remember the level of secretion employed by some of the men I used to work with, carrying a rolled up newspaper or What Car? Mag into the office loo for a leisurely shit. I never complained given it was a clear sign of a necessary bodily function (but with more negative outcome for others than you waving your sanitary towel about OP ).

That manager of yours @TinLeaf should have shut that nonsense down at the first complaint and if she spoke to you at all it should have been to say “this was said but don’t worry, I’ve told them to get a grip”.

Can you sing and dance @TinLeaf? Perhaps a performance of "I Got That Flow" next time as you walk towards the toilets.

I always think it’s more obvious when people carry bags to the toilet 🤷🏻‍♀️

How ridiculous!

I’d have been too flabbergasted to respond as I ought to and then would have spent the rest of the day thinking of appropriate responses.

@TinLeaf What did you say to your manager? I hope you’re able to think on your feet more quickly than me.

And now I'm literally cry laughing imagining women rollerblading across the office in a tampon flapper dress or white jeans with sanitary towels stuck to their forehead and MOONCUP coconuts and my life has just got a little bit better.

@GayANDguilty

A couple of men?

OP is vague to the point of being goady ....

however the majority of posters agreeing with OP most likely do not carry their pad across the office.

They should do though.

What is to be gained by hiding the fact that periods exist? What kind of message does that send to the world?

Clearly someone's been "Triggered" oh dearie dearie me 🙄

@Ownedbymycats

Wouldn't it be interesting to know the gender of those who have complained. Your manager would seem to have discriminated against you on gender grounds.

Both men.

Maybe wear this, I think it has a pocket
www.lastnightoffreedom.co.uk/stag-night-shop/costumes-&-fancy-dress/ninja-sanitary-towel-costume/

The first time they see one, they might be forgiven for being curious…

@LemonsLimes best comment on the thread 🤣🤣🤣 I still disagree though.

Bet they aren't so grossed out abkut vaginas when they get to stick their dick in one.

Can you start leaving entire packets on your desk?

Start pretending to snort coke on your desk with a tampon.applicator ?

I'd stick it to my forehead next time. I thought times had changed- clearly not, how disappointing.

The internalised misogyny on this thread is truly a sight to behold.

OP, I think you should complain that the sight of your male colleagues OBVIOUSLY GOING TO THE TOILET makes you uncomfortable, and that they should cover it up by pretending to go to the kitchen or something. I mean, flashing bodily functions in public? Ew, gross.

People might leave the office at lunchtime, go to the chemist, buy condoms for their evening's entertainment, and return to work. You wouldn't expect to see them walking through the office clutching their Durex, would you?
Because you’re not supposed to have sex at work (unless you’re a sex worker). It’s perfectly OK to have your period at work, though. Obviously you should be seated away from any pot plants and shunned for seven days, but it’s nice to have a week off the tea round innit.

@RozHuntleysLeftHand

But in all seriousness for a minute, if you are obviously walking towards the toilets, you are fucking obviously going to be doing a bodily function, right? I mean I just don't get the squeamishness about this??

Perfect response.

@Georgeskitchen

I know times have changed but why do you feel.the need to "advertise " your period to the rest of your workforce? Is nothing private anymore? What's wrong with taking your handbag to the loos?

Taking your bag is 'advertising' more than discretely taking a wrapped towel with you.

I actually think YABU.

Periods are gross (I know, I have them), and personal, so I think that sort of thing should be kept private. I wouldn’t want to be aware when others are on their period in the office either. Nobody needs or wants to know this.

Sorry OP, I’ve had periods for nearly 30 years but I wouldn’t appreciate this in the office. I hide mine up my sleeve 😁

I had the opposite (sort of); the two women I worked with (very cliquey, worked together for a long time) puzzled out loud, and to the Lady Captain (and more, probably) of the rather select (in their minds) Golf Club, WHY I was taking my bag with me to the bathroom.....
I found that rather stupid.