Embracing Opportunities: Lessons Learned from Herpes
When we encounter challenging times in our lives, there always seems to be someone who says, “Everything happens for a reason.” This statement can dismiss many of the complex emotions that accompany these experiences—including herpes diagnoses.
I heard a quote recently that touched on this mindset and reframed it into “everything presents an opportunity.” Here are a few things I’ve learned from herpes:
- how little sexed really taught you
- how your values inform your thoughts about STIs and people who get them
- how to communicate better with your partners
- how to communicate better about the “awkward” moments in dating and relationships
- how to understand your body’s stress signals
- that some people will always be assholes
- that no amount of data or scientific studies can persuade someone to be with you (and you shouldn’t have to convince anyone, either)