Navigating Herpes in Relationships: Building Confidence and Asserting Self-Worth
It’s easy to become consumed by a diagnosis, especially one like herpes that is so stigmatized. Some of these might be hard truths, but I believe they are important reminders to build confidence and acknowledge self-worth when it comes to sex and dating.
Here are a few reminders for people living with herpes as they educate their partners. As you read through them, you can see how they build off one another.
You have herpes; you are not herpes
You are an expert of *your* body and experience with herpes—not everyone else’s
You can share resources and knowledge of self with your partners, but, ultimately, they need to do the work, too
Herpes isn’t a personality trait; it’s a stigmatized infection
Don’t be afraid to redirect discussions & re-evaluate relationships if herpes monopolizes your connections