However, be careful of the other items you add. You may feel more embarrassed if you buy something that seems related. For example, do not buy new underwear and pads. Instead, stock up on unrelated items that you need. For example, purchase shampoo and conditioner the same day you purchase pads.
If a self checkout isn’t an option, try going to the least busy register or checking out at the pharmacy section.
Ask your friends something like, “Do you guys ever feel weird buying pads alone? Maybe we could go together so no one feels awkward. " You can also ask a parent/guardian to pick up pads for you if they’re running to the store, avoiding the embarrassment of purchasing them altogether. For example, “Would you mind getting me pads at the store? I feel a little embarrassed going alone. "
Make sure to purchase pads well before your period, however. You don’t want to be left without necessary supplies when your period starts.
If you feel embarrassed, take a deep breath. Remind yourself this is a normal process that just means you’re getting older. Your parents are probably expecting you to come to them with this issue at some point. Say something straightforward. Wait for a moment where your parents are not busy and you can speak to them in private. Say something like, “Hey, I just started my period and could use some help choosing supplies. " You could also say something like, “I’m not sure how to buy supplies for my period. Could you help?”
Write something like, “I had my period and I need a pad. Can I please go to the office?”
Ask something like, “Have you guys ever had something embarrassing happen on your period? Maybe it would be fun to share stories and laugh about it. "
If you feel embarrassed going into the store, remind yourself that your period is normal. Think about how many other people have their period each month. Do you feel embarrassed when you buy a toothbrush and a toothpaste? Or do you feel embarrassed when you buy salt? If your answer to these questions is no, then you need not feel embarrassed while buying, using, talking about, discarding, and carrying, sanitary pads. If a sibling, friend, or classmate teases you, try to ignore them. Tell them this just means you’re growing up and it’s immature to laugh at a normal bodily process. [9] X Research source
If you’re not sure how to laugh at your period, you can look up jokes online. Many women who are stand up comedians make period jokes. Joke around with a friend. When you’re feeling sensitive about something, it can be hard to make light of it on your own. Sometimes, having a friend laugh with you can help. Make a lighthearted joke, like, “I feel like my face looks like a pizza I’m breaking out so bad from my period. "
It can help to write down a list of your five most embarrassing moments and then read it over. For example, “The time I fell down in front of everyone during a gymnastics event. " Most of these moments will probably seem less embarrassing in the present than they did in the past.
