Hooter33

You're just in a dark place right now. Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary feeling. It'll be hard to drag yourself out of this slump, but it'll be worth it. I promise. Please please please take care of yourself. If you feel like it's not getting better, I would strongly suggest seeking some professional guidance. This is just a diagnosis, not a death sentence ❤

I take Acyclovir twice a day. But only since my most recent OB, before then I'd just use Abreva and hoped for the best. My OB' s were only every 3-5 years, so at the time, I wasn't aware I needed anything. (HSV-1, cold sores)

Thank you so much for all of the information. I was slightly aware of what a cold sore meant, but a lot of people in the community treat it as an annoying skin condition. I hardly ever heard anyone refer to it as an STD. It wasn't until my official diagnosis that it made a hard and heavy impact on my life. But even less so since my ltr boyfriend at the time was unphased by it. But now that I'm dating someone new, we're gradually moving closer. I feel like he wants to make things physical with me, and I naturally want the same thing. I've been really upset as of lately, because shortly after our first date, I stressed myself out and into a cold sore. Which lead me to the realization that I had to have this talk with him. It's quite literally my first time having to do this, and I've been racking my brain for the right words, the right approach, the right setting. I don't want to lose him, but I know that's ultimately his decision. I certainly don't feel right entering into anything physical with him without being totally and completely honest. He's old fashioned, a true gentleman, taking things slow isn't out of the norm for him. But I know he'll wonder soon why I won't even kiss him. After a little soul searching and chatting with good friends I realize that a lot of the emotions that I've been feeling have been out of fear. Fear of being rejected, fear of transmission, fear of having to see him at work afterwards. Btw, I'm honestly surprised that more people aren't disclosing. Given that legal ramifications are possible from negligently or intentionally giving someone an incurable condition. Are there any articles here that cover that?

Picture a young girl of 11 or 12, making her way to the mall with her friends to try on makeup and perfume. Hey girls, let's get all dolled up before hitting the park! Fast forward to a week later, I've got a suspicious bump on the side of my mouth which resulted in a very stern lecture from my mother about kissing boys. "But Mom, I haven't done anything like that!" She inquired about me possibly sharing chapstick or a toothbrush with a friend. Finally narrowed it down to the free, and unfortunately, tainted lipstick at the mall. I've been in 2 serious relationships since then, one resulting in a marriage and divorce. Both were aware of my cold sores, but never gave it much thought. We avoided sexual contact during an OB, therefore nothing was ever passed. Fast forward to the present day, single and ready to enter the dating world with a bit more baggage than I intended to have. I'm currently dating a wonderful man, with whom I haven't been intimate with, but have held hands, hugged and pecked on the cheek. Everything's been going so wonderful, but I'm afraid that we're nearing the point of disclosure and I'm absolutely terrified to have this discussion with him. When I met my first boyfriend, I was ignorant as to what disclosure meant. It was mentioned during our relationship, and it didn't bother him. With my second serious relationship, I received the official diagnosis halfway through. He was incredibly understanding and actually revealed that he too got them from time to time. We've both since wised up and discussed that it was far more serious than either of us originially thought and disclosure should be absolutely vital before getting physical with new partners. We still to this day remain the best of friends and a support system for each other. I have questions, so many questions, and I'm not sure where to start. Which brings me here..