@cclife90. @fairlyme
Welcome to the forum! I am a 25 year old male who found out I had HSV2 about 2 months ago. (just before my birthday and xmas lucky me!!)
Initially I went through all the classic stages of anger, fear and the whole "why me" and constantly questioning myself. Like most people, I didn't really know much about herpes, I knew it caused "sores" but that's about it. I totally wish I knew more about it before hand. But I didn't. Oh Well! I don't beat myself up about it, or get mad at myself because there is no point. It's done, now you must move forward and focus on the positives in your life. Why waste your time and energy on being so frustrated with yourself. It's not worth it.
As you said! it's a minor skin condition. I wake up everyday thankful I can walk, talk, eat, see and even type this message with my fingers! Amazing right? Although I am not "over the moon" I have herpes. I say to myself "sheeeeet, if herps is all I get in life then I am a happy man"
Life is to short to stress over something so little. I was hanging out my washing during the night yesterday (gets hot in Melbourne, Australia :p) and I looked up at the stars and laughed. I laughed at how small we are and how insignificant herpes is. I looked down at my hands and wriggled them around.. amazing I thought. I then walked back into my house thinking damn life is good. It's good because I am alive and well.
I am a social worker and I work with people who have horrific injuries that have caused them to be bed bound, acquire brain injuries, blindness and spinal chord injuries. These people would trade my life with herpes in a second.
Herpes is only as big as you make it.
As for getting jiggy with someone and getting into a relationship ...
If someone rejects you because you have herpes, it is not meant to be. Let me tell you why. Sure herpzzz is contagious, but the chances of you passing it on if you take the right precautions (suppressants, condoms) and being in tune with your body, are highly unlikely. Yes there is a small chance there. But as this site states, use herpes as your wingman. The trust you will find with the person who accepts you for you will be the most positive experience to come out of having herpes.