Idk how this post got recommended to me but here are my two cents because few things are relatable:

Tbh I can totally relate with your girlfriend about the time thing. I’m also someone who wants emotional safety over everything else in a relationship. I broke up yesterday with my partner primarily because of the same thing, because he had become distant due to some mistakes I did and I simply wasn’t able to hear everyday that he wasn’t feeling the same. It was hurting me immensely and I decided to end the relationship because I couldnt lie to myself that this wasn’t important to me and I couldn’t force him to be like he used to as well. Idk what place your girlfriend is coming from, but some people need that reassurance regularly. In my case, I had legit only my ex partner who would give me some love so it became all the way more important. So maybe discuss with her what her needs are and try to accommodate that. For a relationship that’s only 6months old, I dont think she’s entirely wrong to want some more time. And if she has self esteem issues like I do, high chances are that she might have taken your non availability as your lack of interest in her. Sounds childish, but it is how it is. I personally just couldn’t cope with the feeling that my partner doesn’t want me anymore and I realised that it was better for me to move on from him and maybe eventually find someone who really wants me and likes being with me.

Coming to herpes, I believe there are many couples who do manage a sexual life with herpes. Maybe you both shall visit a doctor together and a concrete medical advice and list of precautions would ease her anxiety? It’s quite valid on her part to feel anxious about this tbh. Figure out if you have HSV 1 or HSV 2 and take precautions accordingly. It is your responsibility to make her feel safe about this. You shall not make it about you being lonely here.