sunflower

First of all, I'm sorry that happened... It's never fun getting your hopes up only to have them squashed. I can see how it would take some strength and serious reframing not to take rejection personally. But really it just sounds like he just wasn't the right one for you! I try to avoid giving into those negative instinctual feelings regarding rejection (that something is wrong with you, you aren't good enough, etc) and instead focus on the reality that it just takes a lot for a relationship to work and be right and that when they don't work it's simply a reflection of that and the fact that you weren't right for each other. It's not about you, it's about him and what he has the capacity to understand and deal with. So please be kind to yourself and realize that it was more a reflection of him, not you. In this case it sounds like he clearly just was not entirely educated about STDs and could not handle being so acutely aware of the risk of contracting the herps (even though he has been at risk with anyone he has ever slept with, technically). So do your best to hold your lovely head high and try to remind yourself of all the wonderful things you have to offer... I'm sure he's missing out on so much greatness by deciding to let herpes (which like you said, is really a very minor thing) steal his focus. He may even eventually realize this himself, and I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up regretting his behavior. But enough about him! I hope this helps you feel at least a little better... Just remember, try not to think of it as you being rejected but rather that the relationship just was not the right fit. Cause it wasn't! You deserve someone who has the confidence and knowledge and strength to be comfortable and completely in love with you. And since it seems to take a while for ANYONE to find that, I'd say just hold tight and keep loving yourself! And good luck finding the right one eventually. :) *hugs!*