Caught In Public With Your Period

By Paige

Most of us have been here. Running errands, shopping, out with friends, whenever or where ever you are at the time, something is wrong. Whether you find out by a bloodstain on your jeans or sudden cramps, you're stuck in public, and you're on your period. So here's how to deal with that in my first ever post, Caught In Public With Your Period.

Step One: Avoiding the Problem
If you can avoid this in the first place, that's great. Keep a tampon or pad or whatever supplies you normally use, in a discrete pocket of your purse (if you carry one.) Keep a dollar worth of quarters in your pockets or your wallet. Most public restrooms have a tampon machine, and usually they take quarters. If however, you are not carrying money, proceed to the next step.

Step Two: Asking
If you are with friends, it might not be difficult to ask for a tampon, or a few quarters, but with new acquaintances, it might pose a problem. If alone, strangers are nearly impossible to ask, though it is possible for some people. If you can, just ask. It may seem impossible for some introverts, like me, but it's better to be a little embarrassed than to regret it later. If none of the above can apply, double toilet paper over a few times and use it temporarily until you return home, hopeful with no blood on your jeans/dress/skirt/whatever you were wearing at the time. Which leads to step three. . .

Step Three: Bloodstains
The horror of people around the globe: Bloodstains! Believe me, bloodstains suck, especially if you're in public and can't do anything about it. The best advice I can give is that if you have a sweater or other article of clothing, wrap it around your waist. This may sound weird, but it might just work. If you can pull the look off, great. If not, or if you don't have a sweater, pull your shirt down as far as possible, or strategically hang an over-the-shoulder purse behind you. Unfortunately, not everyone carries a purse, and some people wear crop tops. If this is the case, play it cool until you return home, and hope that this doesn't happen while wearing white.