When our author gets her period, she often struggles through appointments and carries on as if nothing happened. But that’s exactly what she no longer wants – and opens up to a concept that describes the different phases of the female cycle with the four seasons.

Last week I entered a period afternoon in my calendar for the first time. I had already gotten my period that day, had pain in my abdomen and back – and had an interview appointment ahead of me that was actually too much. I went through with it and postponed everything else. I spent the rest of the day on the sofa – and was almost a little proud of myself. Later on the phone I told a friend about it. She said she’s been taking it easy during her menstrual period for a while and really pampering herself for a day. Then she buys a rose and chocolate and doesn’t plan dates.