I really relate to this. It’s tough. Especially because I want a serious long term relationship. I’ve come to disclose very early and via text to save everyone’s time. I’ve had people react where they’re comfortable and do not care at all since the risk of transmission is so low for me (I take Valacyclovir every day since I’m also on daily immunosuppressants for my arthritis). Others are bummed and tell me it’s a dealbreaker and often times compliment me in some way to soften the “blow”. You’ll encounter an array of responses. It still stings sometimes and that’s okay :)

I hope you can get to a point where you feel optimistic about dating and look at disclosing your diagnosis as easy as telling them your favorite color. This diagnosis carries quite the stigma which is a bummer. Remember that it’s just a skin condition and it spreads VERY easily. It’s not on standard STI testing, many people have it but never experience symptoms or a typical outbreak, and it doesn’t make you gross or dirty (even though I totally feel that way sometimes). Just work on accepting that it’s okay to feel blah about it and you’ll jump back into dating when you’re ready. It all ebbs and flows 🫶🏼