1 She's not your mama. The last 'maid' of honour was at the wedding. During menses, women are on the edge of fits of rage and mood swings. Your girlfriend/wife will definitely let you know she's agitated.

Stop ordering her around or expecting her to wait on you hand and foot. Instead, show some support - wash the dishes, cook dinner or do the laundry to take the pressure off. Your thoughtfulness might just be rewarded.

2 The norm, not an illness. Menstruation itself is not a sickness, so don't use it as an excuse not to go out with your girl for a stroll in the park. She'll be ticked off every time you sprawl out on the coach popping chips while watching NBA action. When it's time to have some 'us' time, she's going to see through the "but baby you're sick or I forgot you're sick" broken-record excuse.

3Nothing more macho than buying sanitary napkins. When a woman is having cramps, don't panic or get frantic. Just be calm and get her some Midol, Cetamol, Advil or another preferred pain reliever. Know her favourite tampon or sanitary napkin and walk boldly to the counter and pay for 'em. Only a boy, not a real man, would refuse to help his woman.

4 Lay off the sex. Some women at this time hate to be touched or to be affectionate. Put a lid on it! The timeout is just for a few days, so try to cooperate and be considerate. It does not mean she doesn't love you.

5 Room for romance. Many women are aroused during their period, and are hungry for some affection. It's not all about sex. Do something sweet, like giving her a foot massage or surprise her with a bubble bath. Who knows, she might kick off her heels and insist that you join her!