4 Empowering Ways to Disclose Your STI Status
Do you feel like you’re ruining the moment if you’re the first one to bring up “the talk” with dates?
It’s normal to feel that these conversations are awkward or intimidating— remember, you weren’t taught how to have them— but they don’t have to feel this way!
Here are four potential ways to share your STI status with dates or even a friend. Remember, what’s empowering to one person may not feel empowering to another!
1. Share your status in your dating profile
While this can be a great way to weed out people immediately, there are a couple of caveats.
- People don’t always read. They just swipe.
- Some people don’t know what “HSV” means.
With this option, you’ll still need to confirm your status with them, as well as ask about theirs!
2. Share via text or dating app chat.
This can be a convenient way to get a quick answer without unnecessary facial reactions. However, be mindful about how your data is used and if it’s protected online (each app probably has different terms about this). Anyone can take a screenshot and share information more broadly.
3. Share in-person
Some people have no problem putting it all out there IRL. Prioritize your safety and comfort level. Do you feel safe 1-1 with this person? Do you feel confident in the location you’re disclosing at?
4. Voice memo them!
Idk about you, but voice memos have become one of my favorite forms of communication over the years.
This is a great option for those who may feel more confident when they can vocalize what they’ve prepared without interruption. Plus, you can set them to disappear.
What works for some people may not work well for others. To find your “best” option, think about where you shine, what your strengths are, and what scenario you’ll be your best YOU!
What’s your favorite way to have “the talk” with potential partners? Let me know below, and don’t forget to save this post and follow me for more!