@regularguy I really appreciate the quick and detailed response. A few things stuck out to me so thank you.
As you mentioned, most of us (myself included) have been rejected many times before for reasons outside of herpes. In a way, it can be kind of empowering to have the choice as to when and how you want to share this information. Like you said, some may not be cool with it, while others will see through the stigma and understand that it is not a big deal. That acceptance and rejection is all part of dating regardless of having this diagnosis or not.
In the end, sharing this information before we become intimate with someone whether it is something casual or something more serious is an honest, healthy, and mature thing to do. And while it can be uncomfortable, I hope (any one feel free to reassure me!) that talking about this becomes easier over time. I feel like these types of things are all about the lens in which you view it. We can choose to be sad and alone and not be open about how we feel, or we can try to view it as a positive, and realize that being forced to have these type of intimate conversations, regardless of context, can make you closer with someone.
I'm at a point where I'm scared about rejection but also know I just need to go out there and try to live my life. I don't feel that this is going to be holding be back as I reenter the dating world and have actually gone on a date already and downloaded Bumble and have had some mild success (although not at a point where i need to disclose). My roommate and good friend knows about my breakup and diagnosis and is pretty supportive with things. I feel like having that safety net of knowing i have someone to talk to right after a positive or negative disclosure goes down is comforting.
As I know from reading many posts and my other many life experiences. Things are going to be okay. I think I just have to remind myself this from time to time.
Thanks again for your supportive words and looking forward to getting through this and living our best lives.