Hey all. I just wanted to share my opinion.
I was diagnosed 2 months ago and up until now I was completely devastated. Like many, not scared of the effects of the virus itself but the stigma and impact it would have on future relationships.
What has helped me is opening up to close friends. I’ve disclosed to 6 friends and had no negative responses- 1 even disclosed they have hsv2 and 3 said they have cold sores on the mouth.
What also has helped is reading as much as possible - knowledge IS power. Now I feel like I am prepared to make a disclosure if it came to it. This has made me feel much better prepared. Read the blogs and watch the videos on this site. Read up on Ella Dawson. The herpes association foundation UK is also a great information source.
I know now this is such a shit situation and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t on my mind every day but who is going to accept us if we don’t accept ourselves first?
I went on on a date this week and the guy was so nervous and I had a sixth sense he was hiding something... he said at the end of the date “I need to be straight up with you.... I have a child... is that ok”.., he was shocked to find out I was cool with it as he has been rejected by a few women before me following the disclosure. This reinforced to me that everyone have things about them that make them feel vulnerable and may lead to rejection... it’s not just us!! And I didn’t reject him...
i hope this makes someone feel better. Lots of love and hugs to you all... we can get through this TOGETHER. We are NOT alone.