[Feeling Optimistic: Successful Disclosure Story]

@phillychick YES this is very helpful! Im glad he was understanding and that your relationship is going well!! Im over 40 and recently contracted HSV2 from an ex boyfrien who didnt know he had it. Although that relationship didnt work out, Im hopeful that I will find a loving, caring, understanding man just as you have. All the best to you.

[Feeling Optimistic: Successful Disclosure Story]

@PhillyChick Thanks for sharing. So happy for you! Would you be willing to share what you said in your disclosure talk? I think that would benefit a lot of people.

[I am positive and they were all negative, how can that be?]

@Jack101 A question- how valid/correct is the blood test versus the genital swab? Is it possible for the genital swab to be incorrect? blood test?

[have to get this off my chest]

@regularguy Thanks. Its taken a while to get to this mental space. I have my days when I wish the condition wasnt correct, but then I remind myself that its a skin virus and people are more open-minded than in years past. I hate the stigma though.

[have to get this off my chest]

@zen1 I can completely relate. I was married for over 20 years and have had a couple boyfriends since my divorce. I recently found out I have HSV2 after my ‘then’ boyfriend tested positive. I am currently single and dating and have a new perspective on life. I met a nice guy who I dated and after couple of dates he wanted to have sex. I disclosed and he seemed unaffected by the news until a couple days later when I noticed he was communicating less and less with me. Thats okay. He has a right to determine what is best for him. So do I. I constantly remind myself that I am more than this virus. I am a good person and worthy of a loving relationship. So are YOU. You are not damaged goods. In the big scheme of things, having herpes is small when you consider all the possible health issues, diseases, etc that people are struggling with. The right person will be willing to accept you the way you are. Yes, will be more careful about who I date and how long I date them before having the conversation. This condition has opened my eyes to be more cautious and thoughtful about who I choose to date. I want to be honest and not hide the truth from any future man I have a relationship with. Dont beat yourself up. We all go in hoping that what were being told is true. Like the data shows, most people dont know they have herpes bc they dont present any symptoms and most providers dont test for it. Stay true to yourself and know you can have a wonderful relationship.