My first disclosure talk...

[Someone_else]

Was a success. I was with the person I contracted hsv1 from for 5 years. We broke up almost a year ago. I have avoided situations where things could get intimate because I didn’t want to have to tell people, like I’ve been tainted. Recently, I have been talking to someone who I have known for years and things have gotten really intense. So I decided I would have to have the talk with him. Because I want to be 100% open and honest with this person. And I told him everything. And he asked questions and was very open and mature. He wasn’t grossed out. Doesn’t think I’m tainted. He said he’s not going anywhere. And I have never been more relieved. I also told some close friends as well. And they were so accepting and wonderful. I decided not to let myself be stigmatized but other people’s ill-informed views. And I feel on top of the world. This diagnosis doesn’t often make me feel abyhtibg but sad and angry at my body. But today I feel okay. And that makes me feel hopeful.