The Impact of Acceptance in Dating with Herpes
I’m going to tell you something others won’t: self-acceptance isn’t the only thing that’s going to get you through dating post-diagnosis.
Living with HSV isn’t *just* a skin condition. An HSV diagnosis impacts your mental and emotional wellbeing, too.
Like others with HSV, you’ve probably encountered fear and anxiety around your dating life. Asking questions like…
Who will want me?
Who will love me?
Who will date me?
Who will marry me?
Who will accept me?
Because this diagnosis is connected to a specific set of body parts, additional judgement and shame come with it. Along with feelings about our body parts that we were previously unaware of.
Others will tell you to just “love yourself” and that once you accept yourself, it’ll magically solve your dating problems. I disagree.
Yes, self-acceptance is part of the equation, but it’s not going to solve all your dating problems and complaints. It won’t change overnight, either.
Instead of swiping through your dating apps when you’re going through your laundry list of questions, do this instead:
Seek out the people in your life who knew your magic before your diagnosis.
Turn to the people who have loved you through all your phases.
Check-in with the people who can show up for you and remind you of your worth and value.
Sharing my diagnosis with my friends remains one of the best things I did for myself. It reminded me that I am loved, valued, and cared about. It slowly helped build my confidence with disclosure, too!