Dear Sweetheart,
Let’s get straight to the point: your vagina is not a “hoo-ha,” a “puffle,” or any other cutesy name. It’s your vagina, and it deserves to be called by its real name. After all, I brought you into this world, and I won’t downplay its significance with silly nicknames.
The truth is, your vagina is just a part of your sexual and reproductive system, and while it’s important, it’s really not the most fascinating aspect of it all. If you want to chat about your clitoris, that’s a different story—one that might make me blush a bit! Remember, the vagina is a passage, and in this metaphor, the clitoris is the charming gondolier leading the way.
You might say, “But Mom, my friends have silly names for theirs, and it’s embarrassing!” I understand, but those friends will eventually encounter situations where they need to know what to call it. They’ll find themselves in moments where understanding and communication are key, especially when navigating relationships and intimacy. So, if someone is trying to get a little too close for comfort, it’s essential to be able to say, “This is my vagina,” and discuss the implications, whether it’s about protection or the potential for starting a family.
It’s crucial to have these candid conversations. There’s no way around it; misunderstandings can lead to serious consequences like unwanted pregnancies or STDs. Knowing your body and having the right vocabulary is empowering.
As you step into adulthood, I want you to take ownership of yourself and your body. This includes your vagina, cervix, labia, and all the other parts that make you uniquely you. I’ve always aimed to provide you with truth. If I can’t discuss your body openly, how can I guide you through the more complex matters of life, like failure, resilience, love, and loss?
Truth can be uncomfortable, but it’s far better than living with misconceptions. Life will be full of challenges, and some will be painful, like breakups or getting those shots you dreaded as a child. But remember, the benefits often outweigh the discomfort.
I want you to engage with life, embrace your body, and communicate openly. Whether it’s about your vagina or any other part of your life, the world is governed by grown-ups, and soon you’ll be one of them.
In the meantime, let’s talk about everything—from testicles to why men seem to need one but not the other. Someday, you’ll be navigating your own path, and you’ll want to do it with confidence. I can’t shield you forever; it’s time to learn and grow.
I want you to soar, my dear, and I’ll always be here cheering you on.
Love,
Mom