My partner, Jake, is sitting on the edge of our couch, nursing a drink while looking at me with a mix of bewilderment and concern. I’m pacing in front of him, my hands flailing, and tears streaming down my face. Honestly, I have no clue what I’m ranting about, as this all started about an hour ago with me just letting my emotions take over.
Most of our monthly disagreements revolve around his perceived lack of romantic gestures, our dwindling intimacy, or him forgetting something important. Ironically, while I’m unloading my emotional baggage onto Jake, I’m overlooking something crucial myself.
I conclude my one-woman show with three dramatic statements that simultaneously infuriate him and bring him a sense of relief. Every month, without fail, I impulsively blurt out words I instantly regret: “I can’t keep doing this! I’m done! I want a DIVORCE!”
At this point, Jake gives me “the look,” a silent warning that if he says anything in response, it could lead to more tears and chaos. He’s quite clever and knows how to handle the situation; he apologizes profusely, reassures me of his love, and then goes quiet for the rest of the evening. His silence drives me into a frenzy, and I often end up curling up in bed alone, sobbing until I drift off.
The next day, Jake finally gathers the courage to address what’s been on his mind since my outburst. He knows he must approach it delicately to avoid igniting my defensiveness.
“Hey, sweetheart…”
“What?” I reply, already on edge.
“Well, I think maybe…”
“What?!”
“I think… it might be that time of the month.”
I force a smile and switch topics, but inside, I’m torn. Why can he predict my mood swings as if he’s a weather forecaster? Am I wearing a shirt that says “PMS Alert”?
What annoys me the most is that he’s always spot-on. Jake seems to have an uncanny ability to sense when my period is approaching before I do, and it’s infuriating. Apparently, I’m quite predictable in this regard, and it’s become clear that I threaten divorce just days before my cycle begins.
This past year, I’ve also been dealing with complex PTSD, which adds to my emotional turmoil. These dramatic meltdowns often come out of left field, leaving Jake scrambling to manage the fallout.
But there’s a silver lining: Jake has become a pro at navigating these monthly storms. He checks in more frequently, showers me with affection, and even stocks up on my favorite snacks and drinks. His approach mirrors how he supported me during my pregnancy.
Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better partner in these moments. His kindness and foresight have made me feel a little more at ease when my emotions threaten to spiral out of control. Maybe I should get him a special cape for his superhero-like skills—though I might prefer red, as a subtle reminder of his role as my personal menstruation oracle.
If you want to read more about managing emotional ups and downs, check out this insightful blog post here. Additionally, for expert advice on fertility and related topics, visit this authoritative site and listen to the informative discussions available at the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast.
In summary, navigating the emotional rollercoaster of PMS can be challenging, but having a supportive partner like Jake can make a world of difference. His ability to anticipate my needs during this time not only helps me cope but also strengthens our relationship.