Can we talk?

PMS OR FEMALE BULLY SYNDROM

    Every time I hear someone talking about PMS, I wonder if it's for real or just an excuse for bad behavior. People are frequently in pain, or bloated, or sick, without becoming bullies or beligerant tyrants. In fact many women get through terrible premenstrual pain and disabling discomfort without terrorizing the people around them.
    Recognizing the presence of discomfort, pain, heightened emotions, nausea, and so forth as a genuine problem in some women was a breakthrough. It allowed for the pursuit of treatment and brought some patience from the families of those who understand it.
    Unfortunately, many women have latched onto the idea as an excuse for bad behavior, rudeness, and bossiness. Some even see it as a means to get their way, to control the people around them. Be nice to me, get me chocolate, or do all your chores without being reminded or I'm going to become the Incredible Hulk and make your life miserable. Her "time" becomes a weapon against others.
    The excuse making goes further. If a woman, any woman, has a bad moment (maybe she had a fight with her boss or bounced a check) and is a little snappy with someone, immediately men and women are accusing her of PMS. It's not the medical syndrome itself, it's the bad behavior that's giving the syndrome a bad name!
      We all have to go through some difficult times. If a woman is having a very bad time of it consistently, her doctor can help. No one has to go on suffering needlessly. But not every woman endures this problem regularly. We still need to practice self-control. If we let ourselves go because we feel bad, or worse, pretend we feel bad in order to let ourselves go, we're going to lose the people close to us and lose their respect.