wannabhonest

Hi, I just logged into this site for the first time. Reading many of your posts, I feel the need to share with you my experience and hopefully to let you know there is indeed lotsa fun and life to be lived, even with Herpes. I am 53, yes a true veteran on this site and I have had a very fulfilling life. I contracted Herpes at age 19, the summer I graduated high school and felt all grown up and had a summer romance. Came down sick with chills and fever and was diagnosed with a bladder infection. It wasn't picked up on for months. Regardless, I have been in 2 long terms marriages, 19 years and 12, neither partner contracted Herpes and we did not use protection, your choice. My most recent relationship, when I disclosed, he disclosed, he had it too! It's not as uncommon as we think it is. It's more bothersome and annoying and yes sometimes painful, than anything else. Please know you are not alone, the more we share the more we learn and grow and the stigma lessons. I'm from Maine, female, but anyone who would like to write me, I would be more than willing to share as well and be a listener to ease some of our burden. Catherine