Buying condoms, pads, or tampons at your neighbourhood convenience store may be embarrassing, cringe-worthy, and even a taboo for some people.
Let’s check out some of the products Singaporeans are still embarrassed to purchase.
1. Condoms
Often, purchasing your own protection is awkward. Even though they are easily and readily available in supermarkets or convenient stores, condoms tend to be regarded with much disdain.
Purchasing condoms inevitably suggests that you are having sex, and in Singapore, many might be uncomfortable with revealing this side of their lives to other people.
However, whether you’re single, attached, or married, there should be no shame in using protection. After all, you’re always making the right decision when you decide to use a Durex – whether it’s for family planning, because you’re not ready for kids yet, or protection against STIs.
If buying a Durex at a store is really not an option for you, consider purchasing it online.
2. Skincare products for men
Gone are the days where facial moisturisers, concealers, and sunscreen are seen only as products for females.
In theory, when men show interest in beauty products, it’s a positive thing. It helps change the way men’s grooming is viewed.
Yet in practice, many still seem to shy away from the once-deemed-feminine skincare products.
Perhaps in time, with the growing array and normalcy of using skin-care products for men, male consumers will no longer feel embarrassed for swapping out the all-purpose bar soap.
3. Food shame
People love eating junk food, but some may feel anxious about being criticised for what they purchase – especially if it is junk food.
Admittedly, we are all a little self-conscious about the image we portray. No one likes to be judged based on the food we eat.
Snacking on junk food should not be an everyday habit, but the occasional trek down the snack aisle is definitely something you’ll see most Singaporeans succumbing to.
One way to avoid being looked at pointedly at the check-out line, or to save yourself from the embarrassment of purchasing junk food is to only purchase junk food with other groceries.
4. Romance novels
For most, romance novels are a guilty pleasure read.
As romance novels have gotten a bad reputation (think Fifty Shades of Grey) for their highly explicit content, those caught purchasing or reading romance novels in public might be on the receiving end of silent criticism.
One way that you could save yourself the embarrassment of purchasing a romance novel in bookstores—whilst still being able to peruse through guilty pleasure romance stories—is to invest in an electronic reader.
Unlike its paperback counterpart, it is more difficult to discern what book is being read or downloaded on the e-reader, saving its user the embarrassment of being caught reading or purchasing a romance novel in public.
5. Feminine products
Purchasing feminine products like pads, tampons or douches can be an embarrassing task, especially if it is your first time buying them.
While some might be as bold as brass and indignant to purchasing feminine products, understandably, such a purchase might leave others abashed.
Instead of trying to awkwardly make excuses for the items in your shopping cart, be confident about the products you need. Try to come to terms with the fact that there is nothing to be shy, ashamed or embarrassed about of your period.
Many girls forget that most women around them are going through exactly what they are going through, and buying feminine products are no different from buying a pack of gum or tissue paper.
If you’re feeling a little shy about making revealing purchases in stores, the trick is to buy extra items, but don’t go overboard.
You don’t want to be that person at the checkout line with 6 pairs of kitchen scissors, an ironing board, 4 watermelons and a box of Dumex.
Also, read Skip The Store – Here Are 8 Everyday Products That Are Better Bought Online
