katartizo1

Another super awkward conversation with some friends today. It was an incredibly low point. I had to leave the bar we were at because I just couldn't muster up the courage to move past it. I've been doing a lot of research lately about it and because of all that education i just don't feel like it's as big of a deal as people think. So much damn stigma around this thing that it clouds people's judgement. Frustrating.

Gosh. Another awkward conversation today when a potential dating partner decided to proclaim to our group he wouldn't go anywhere near a woman with HSV 2. Damn that's frustrating. The ignorance alone is enough to make me want to curl up and give up. Feeling frustrated and alone in this.

This is my first post on (H) Opp and I'm nervous. I've never been on an online forum before so be kind and gentle with me. Here's my story. In March of last year that I was diagnosed with HSV II after a long time boyfriend cheated. It was devastating to me. I have slowly but surely been getting my life back together and trying to deal with the ramifications of all that this disease entails. I'm currently taking antivirals and have had few complications. But I have had no close relationships after finding out and have pushed away new dating opportunities. Honestly, the hardest part of this is the fact that most people have no idea I have it and talk about it like we are lepers. Outcasts. Someone that is dirty and unloveable. I know these things to be lies. But, it is incredibly difficult to listen to close friends say things like, "I would just put a bullet in my head if I got herpes." or "That's so disgusting." or "I would NEVER be with anyone like that." It's a constant source of anxiety and reminder of the fight I have moving forward in future dating relationships. I'm still hurting and still so broken up about this diagnosis and its been over a year. Does it ever get easier? How do I move forward? Any and all feedback is welcome. Really struggling. Hoping someone will respond or reply.