I was bawling. Not unusual for someone who wears their heart on their sleeve but this heart had absolutely no reason to cry. In fact, at first I thought that burning sensation was just a sneeze coming.
Ohh noooo. Something else much more sinister was coming. It flares its ugliness once a month and stays for about a week. Premenstrual syndrome, or as we’ve nicknamed her in our house, Patty Marie Smith, and all the red flags that that comes with. Handling this is imperative! These tips will help ease your symptoms and make the week a little easier on your marriage.
Treat the Physical Symptoms
First things first, treat the physical symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Don’t let it slide and end up miserable. If you feel like crap, it’s probably going to show and affect those around you. I mean, the emotional side is hard enough to deal with, am I right?!
Midol, my doll, what a wonder you are. I don’t know how it does it but it takes the edge off. Ibuprofen, a pain relief cream, and a heating pad do a great job of relieving cramps. Stretching and exercise are proven to help ease symptoms. A glass of red wine always helps too. 😉 Just sayin.
Gripe Inside Your Head
Vent, gripe, and comment mentally rather than verbally. When I am able to hold my tongue (I’m great at it, lemme tell ya 😉 ) this amazing thing happens. I don’t know if its the Holy Spirit or my subconscious but seriously! Something cues a response within my thinking process. Sound crazy? It’s almost as if I’m having this little mental debate inside my head. Seen Inside Out? Yep, I have little primary colored people fighting in my brain! Annnnnd I’m crazy.
I inevitably realize though how hormone fueled and ridiculous the comment I wanted to say is! So hold that tongue girl – hold it! If it is something that absolutely needs to be said, reword it by using “I” sentences and making sure it doesn’t place blame or assault anyone verbally.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Ephesians 4:29
Communication
Communicating when irritated is difficult. I mean sometimes you really just wanna snap somebody’s head off! But when you live with someone it’s rather necessary to communicate without beheading them. So how do you communicate with your Mr. when the PMS is flaring and his words just irritate the snot out of you?
Women everywhere need to recognize, accept and remember that we are abnormally irritable when struggling with premenstrual syndrome and on that weeklong rollercoaster of emotions. Consistently being aware of that will help you realize when the culprit of the irritability is your physical issue and not the comment made by someone else. So let the little things go. Sometimes – the irritability is, plain and simple, your fault. Boo! Tough love is hard!
Say what you mean & mean what you say. In other words, try to keep your words very matter of fact. Admit that your hormones are out of whack. Rather than focusing on emotional statements, try to limit your statements to only deal with the facts of the situation.
Offer a solution. In other words, tell him what you want woman! It’s not a guarantee that he won’t push back with his own wants, but it gives you both a starting point to negotiate from. Once he knows your want and you know his you can seek out a win-win. Men are problem solvers. Sometimes he just has no clue what you’re thinking and wanting! And if you practice the tip before, he’ll be able to trust that you mean what you say.
Focus on the Light
PMS is frickin’ no joke. But you already know that! Some women have it worse than others but there are always hacks to make that week of suffering a little less painful, whether it’s physical pain or relational pain.
Just know that it’ll be over soon! One week! You can do it! 5-7 DAYS!!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Then, next month, you can head back here to survive the next hard week, and it’ll be over before you know it too. 😉
Hang on tight!
To get to know me better, read about me & my saved love
Pssst – sometimes you need a practical solution to drown out the irritability. These art of appreciation printables will shift your focus to gratitude and make the irritability go.away.
Read Next:
- Getting Off the Funk Ride
- Creating a Marriage Sanctuary; Tips for Turning Your Bedroom into A Comfort Zone for Both You and Your Husband
- A List of Husband Thankfuls; The Art of Appreciating Your Man and A Printable to Make it Fun and Easy
- This Expectation is Hurting You and Your Marriage.
- Healthy Evening Routine – Habits for Husband and Wife to Improve Marriage