Rather than having one big “TALK” with my mom about how babies were made and how boys and girls were different and so on, I learned those things gradually over the years. My mom answered questions as I asked them, and I knew everything I need to know. But one day in elementary school, I came home telling my mom that some boys on the school bus had a condom and teased me that I probably didn’t know what it was. I assured them I did know but refused to tell them.
She asked me to tell her what I thought it was.
I said, “You blow it up and sit on it and it goes pbbbbbbbbbbth…”
After she stopped laughing at the fact I thought it was a whoopie cushion, she realized it was time to talk about a few more things. In addition to talks with my mom, I learned more of what to expect from hearing friends talk about their experiences with puberty since most of them reached that stage WAY before I did. {Proof of my late-bloomer status: this photo from 6th grade. I’m the one in the middle. Yes, we’re all the same age.}
But now I’m at a far different point in life. Among my friends and family, there is more talk of menopause than PMS. I’d still love to be happily surprised with pregnancy, but I wonder how I’ll know when menopause is coming.
I’ve heard of perimenopause, but I’m still pretty clueless. My mom had a hysterectomy decades ago because of severe endometriosis; my aunts and a few of my cousins have also faced surgical menopause. One of my cousins, younger than me, rather suddenly hit menopause a year or so ago — but my sister is much older than me and has not reached that stage yet.
I really have no idea what to expect — and that’s the idea behind Poise’s emphasis on urging women to have “The 2nd Talk.” In fact, they want one million women to pledge to have this talk by World Menopause Day on October 18. By joining the conversation, women will gain more menopause knowledge, support, and solutions.
When I knew what to expect in regards to hitting puberty, I felt comfortable about the changes I knew would come. I’m not ready for menopause just yet, but I would like to be prepared! Poise is introducing a line of over-the-counter products for use during menopause, designed to work naturally and provide comfort and relief from symptoms of menopause: Roll-On Cooling Gel and Body Cooling Towelettes to help you feel refreshed when a hot flash strikes, and other products to feel fresh and confident.
To kick off this product launch, BlogHer and Poise is offering a chance to win a $250 Visa Gift card! To be entered for a chance to win, just leave a comment answering the question, “When do you feel most confident?”
Rules:
No purchase necessary to enter or win.
Only unique Entries will be counted; duplicates will not be considered as an additional entry.
You may receive entries on this post by selecting from the following entry methods starting on July 26, 2012 at 9am PT and ending on August 24, 2012 at 5pm PT:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion, including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: #sweepstakesentry; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post.
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post.
d) To enter without posting comments, see official rules.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail and will have 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected. Void where prohibited.
Be sure to visit Poise’s brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you to all who participated!
I’m a big fan of authentic conversation and always appreciate hearing what you have to say. Thanks for reading.
104 responses to “It’s time for The 2nd Talk”
ha ha, that picture totally cracks me up, mainly because it looks just like I did!!
I feel most confident after a good long great run!
I feel most confident when I’m having a good hair day and I’m dressed in clothing that fits me well.
I feel most confident when I have my make-up on, my hair looking good and my husband by my side. 🙂
I feel most confident after a really hard, long run when that runner’s high kicks in.
Oh, you know…never. Not a confident person. Although, when my kids need me to, I can fake it pretty well.
I am more confident since I joined Martial Arts. They do teach about being confident, and find an equilibrium in life.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/228550810190114816
I feel the most confident when I am well rested and wearing something that I think flatters my figure.
I feel most confident when I feel good inside. Healthy and strong makes me feel that way. Of course a great hair cut and awesome clothes help too. 🙂
i feel confident after i do a morning jog or evening run
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/228889132678664192
i feel being confident just being my self!
tweet: https://twitter.com/akronugurl/status/228926571413663744 ..
I feel most confident after getting my hair cut and colored!
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/228943384784556032
it may sound shallow, but i feel most confident when i’m feeling pretty. you know those days, when your clothes are fitting well (and are fashionable), when your hair is behaving, and you just feel good. usually i took my husband into taking me out to dinner to “show me off” ha! 😉
I feel most confident after getting my hair done and visiting spa
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/228973071439130625
when i have a good hair day i feel more confident, thismomwins@gmail.com
tweet https://twitter.com/thismomwins/status/229284116787499009
thismomwins@gmail.com
when i’m having a good hair day!
https://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/229309805163081728
I feel most confident when I’m with my family 🙂
I feel most confident when I have just had a good day at work.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/JenniferCNP/status/229405892234330112
I feel most confident when I remember who I am in Christ, who I am to my husband, and who I am with those who know me best. Their opinions are far more important than the affirmation of dozen of facebook friends or bloggy commenters!
I feel most confident when I remember who I am in Christ and when I’m doing what He’s called me to do, whether it’s homeschool my kids, mentoring and encouraging other women, blessing my husband or taking a long walk with my five year old and our Boston Terrier.
i feel most confident when i am wearing nice clothes and have my hair and makeup fixed nicely
here’s my tweet link:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/229726674726555648
I feel the most confident when I am wearing nice clothes, jewelry and have my hair done nicely.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/Kellydinpa/status/229757952565850112
I feel most confident when I’m put together and know that I’m presentable – hair, makeup and clothing.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/AACMorell/status/229793541914783744
I am most confident when I have had a good nights sleep
I think it’s always nice to have older friends or sisters so we get a heads up on what will be next. But I guess life is not always perfect. Guess I’ll need to join in the 2nd talk to find out more…for now, that Roll-On cooling gel sounds really good.
To answer your questions, I feel most confident when I do what I love, which is to cook for my family.
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted about this giveaway: https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/230169083839143936
Amy [at] utry [dot] it
I feel the most confident w/ heels and a flowy dress
family74014 at gmail dot com
It is going to sound weird but I feel the most confident in my bathroom ;p but I also feel confident when I eat healthy and stay fit
taty_bonell@hotmail.com
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/um_lil_cutie/status/230421294926147584
taty_bonell@hotmail.com
I feel most confident when I feel fit, am dressed well and appropriate.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com.
https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/230547872435806209
I love when I get a great haircut and we go out
https://twitter.com/elliebunny24/status/230872461963558912
https://twitter.com/elliebunny24/status/230874227299975168
had to rt because the # was messed up
Poise has hit the nail on the head for me. My confidence is all about information, knowing what to expect, preparing, and support.
tweet
https://twitter.com/BBirdie2/status/231126886988779521
I feel the most confident after my husband compliments me on my outfit- he doesn’t usually say much, so when he does, it means a lot!
chambanachik@gmail.com
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/chambanachik/status/231258249662435328
DURING THE FEW TIMES I’M ACTUALLY TALKING AS WELL AS I WALKING =)
https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/232535243591131136
When I have my makeup on
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/232589018402013185
I feel confident when I do a good job at work or cook a nice meal. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
songyueyu at gmail
tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/233139204626997249
songyueyu at gmail
I feel the most confident in a new outfit.
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/233734792615714816
I feel confident when I am doing things I know I rock at doing – and when I get compliments later its a major confidence boost!
tweeted https://twitter.com/patis2000/status/233954106602057728
I feel most confident when I’m wearing an outfit I know is flattering on me and have had time to straighten my hair and put on a little make-up. Only takes about 10 minutes, but the difference it makes in how I feel is worth 10 times as much!
I feel most confident after a really tough work out!
Tweeted the giveaway:
https://twitter.com/calidreamin87/status/235329633002856448
When I’m all dressed up and feeling sexy
When I achieve a big goal I feel very confidant
I feel most confident when I’m wearing scarf.
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/mrsayubi/status/235528812207685632
I feel most confident when I feel strong and accomplished. This can be a matter of putting out a good piece of writing or having a great ride on my horse.
Tweeted.
https://twitter.com/Jayne_Martin/status/235793863330123776
When wearing a new outfit!
https://twitter.com/kelliechio/status/235804331281108993
tweeted 🙂
I feel most confident after getting my waxing done and a pedicure!
tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/235889271901388800
I fell more confident when my husband tells me how great I look, especially after having 3 kids.
https://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/236200845992157184
I’m most confident during my gym routine. I’m sweaty and have no make-up on, but once I hit my stride I feel amazing!
I feel confident when I smile! Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
I feel most confident when I have on cute clothes!!
ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/237389641882427392
I feel most confident in the morning, when I first wake up to a new day!
I feel most confident when I get all dressed up for a night on the town! Haha..doesnt happen often, but always feels good!
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/Ilovemybeagle2/status/237706943106523136
I feel more comfortable when I come home from a long day at work to hang out with my animals since I have no one else to hang out with.
I feel most confident when I have learned and mastered a new skill.
tweet https://twitter.com/88MichelleS/status/238090534160322560
I feel most confident when I am prepared for the day as a teacher, with plans, presentations, and copies in place ready to go. oh yeah, and hair, that has to be in place too!
I’m not normally a very confident person but I’m at my best when I look like I know what I’m doing. The appropriate clothing that fits well and a great hair style go a long way.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/238539233843888128
I’m most confident when I’m out with my grandsons and everyone mistakes them for my children.
Thanks for the giveaway!
eswright18 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/238715752818032640
eswright18 at gmail dot com
I feel confident now because all the worse things in life are behind me, I survived all of them and getting older is really fun.
When I go cruising.
I feel most confident when I’ve succeeded at something that I didn’t think I could. altern147 [at] yahoo [dot] com
I feel most confident when I am prepared and well rested
tweet https://twitter.com/mermont84/status/238813366284599298
I feel the most confident when I’m with my friends.
Tweeted http://twitter.com/chipdip2010/status/238848625743106048
I feel most confident when I’m in the swimming pool teaching my Arthritis Class.
Thanks for the contest.
blogged: http://slehan.blogspot.com/2012/08/win-250-visa-from-poise-and-blogher-824.html
I am most confident when I know I am not alone. Having my hubby always there by my side supporting my decisions and cheering me on in everything I do is a blessing!
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/239025751654027265
Most confident when I feel happy
i feel most confident when my clothes are crisp and clean! Thanks for a super giveaway!
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/239205325000024064
Thanks for the chance to win!
email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com
I’m most confident when I have a great hair cut and color, and look my best! It also helps my confidence when my honey tells me I’m beautiful and sexy!
I feel most confident when people listen to what I have to say. I am finding that I have more confidence and am more outgoing in my 40’s because people actually listen when I have an idea or suggestion and I get positive feedback.