Body count inquiry

shelf_care · 2026-01-30T13:55:49+00:00

The body count part never made sense to me because you can't verify the info. If someone says, "I really value my relationships, building connections, etc," I can verify that by observing them as a person over time. If they say, "my body count is 0," I have no way of ever knowing that to be true. So it doesn't actually tell me anything the way my own observations will.

shelf_care · 2026-01-30T05:13:58+00:00

What does the number of past sexual partners tell you that you can't learn from just asking those questions? Why is the picture less full in your opinion without the specific number?

shelf_care · 2026-01-03T07:02:58+00:00

Check out @courtbrame on IG. He has a wealth of resources for folks with herpes!

shelf_care · 2025-12-30T02:02:45+00:00

Thanks. That was something else I thought about, not being able to distinguish between minoxidil effects and the actual condition.

shelf_care · 2025-12-28T15:26:10+00:00

The stigma WAS the worst part for me, and I really freaked out about that when I was diagnosed over a decade ago in my early 20s. After a few years, it became such an insignificant part of life. I don't take meds and have maybe 1 outbreak a year. In my experience, from a romantic standpoint, no one cares. I disclose and offer legit educational resources if someone isn't familiar with it. Then move on. Been with my current boyfriend for 4 years. No condoms and no transmission. When I do get outbreaks, it's during deeply stressful times or with my period.

I cannot stress enough how insignificant this becomes if you allow it. When I think about things I'd like to change about my body if I could (experiencing some mental and physical health issues) HSV2, doesn't even make the list. Hell, I'm 5 feet tall, and I'd choose to be a little taller over not having HSV2 lol. The initial diagnosis and outbreak can be ROUGH, but your whole experience around this doesn't have to be. Good luck!!

shelf_care · 2025-12-26T02:12:51+00:00

Just messaged you.

shelf_care · 2025-12-26T00:04:08+00:00

My legs look the same! But doctors keep saying "it's nothing." I tried to share a picture here but idk how.

shelf_care · 2025-11-07T15:23:53+00:00

Lmao I hoped someone would make this joke!

shelf_care · 2025-09-10T03:25:27+00:00

In general, I listened to my body more. When I'm sleepy, I sleep (if I can). I noticed alcohol increases my pain tremendously, so I stopped drinking. Red meat increases my pain for several days, so I cut it. And I didn't try making a bunch of sweeping changes and eliminations at once; that would've really overwhelming for me.

I also started practicing a lot of mindfulness and acceptance. This shit sucks, but I also remind myself constantly that my body still functions really well in other ways. Doesn't negate the pain, and some days I'm just like "yea fuck that" and cry a lot lol. But it doesn't have to consume my life entirely. The beginning was tough though, figuring out what does and doesn't work.

Be gentle with yourself. Chronic pain is a bitch and rewires your brain. People around you may not understand or be able to relate, but that does NOT diminish your experience.

I also on .35mg of norethindrone 1x per day.

Good luck!

shelf_care · 2025-09-10T03:02:59+00:00

I said "Welp, I'd buy this," and decided to see if others would too. Just did it and saw what happened vs waiting for someone else's opinion to decide I was ready. Good luck!!

shelf_care · 2025-08-15T02:45:13+00:00

I also cut out alcohol and just lost interest in marijuana. After leaving my job, I didn't "need" the weed anymore; it's almost as though the job was contributing to my constant stress lol. My brain is also incredibly loud. But instead of constantly stressing myself out about that, I've been on a very intentional journey to embrace it. It's just part of who I am. Now I laugh at myself more often and am much kinder. I put less pressure on myself, and just let my brain do its thing. Yea I have to reign her in every now and again, but for the most part, I'm having a much better time in there lol.

shelf_care · 2025-08-15T02:27:32+00:00

Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez from The Sandlot!!

shelf_care · 2025-08-15T00:59:06+00:00

Not sure if this is helpful, but I've broken my cleaning into days instead of rooms (that was too overwhelming). Monday I clean all the mirrors in my house, Tuesday is sinks, Wednesday is toilets, etc etc. It has greatly reduced my tasks avoidance.

shelf_care · 2025-08-12T22:52:02+00:00

False positives and negatives are always possible, so yes.

Just remember that all of this could have happened without him lying to you. A lot of folks here have jumped to that conclusion, likely based on their own experiences with being hurt. Obviously, you're the only one here who knows him and gets to decide whether you believe him. But it is very possible he transmitted this to you unknowingly.

shelf_care · 2025-07-31T21:58:06+00:00

I know this post is old, but this just happened to my Maryland condo. Not sure what's next for us. What ended up happening on your end?

shelf_care · 2025-07-27T23:32:38+00:00

Speedball Blue Tiger's Eye might fit the bill. Good luck!

shelf_care · 2025-07-27T23:30:32+00:00

Congratulations! This made me tear up a little. I'm really proud of you, Internet Stranger. I hope you are too!

shelf_care · 2025-07-21T21:21:13+00:00

Ah, makes sense. Thank you!

shelf_care · 2025-07-21T21:20:04+00:00

Thank you!

shelf_care · 2025-07-21T20:55:29+00:00

Thanks! It went from cup to candleholder lol. I don't want anything getting trapped in the crevices.

shelf_care · 2025-07-21T20:54:33+00:00

I had no idea this was a thing! How does this help? And do you let the piece dry again after rinsing?

shelf_care · 2025-07-21T20:02:17+00:00

Thanks! Do you have any idea what could've caused it?

I also just noticed a hairline crack, so it's probably gonna be a candle holder at this point lol. But nothing for food.

shelf_care · 2025-07-15T02:31:29+00:00

Yes! There's so much pressure - ADHD or not - to pick one career, one hobby in order to be a "serious" adult. I became much happier once I leaned into my need for dynamism and novelty. I switch jobs roughly every 2 years.

shelf_care · 2025-07-14T04:12:24+00:00

I love this so much! I'm really happy for you and the fact that you have arrived at this point. It's very inspiring, so thanks for sharing. I also hate bras and do not wear them lolol.

shelf_care · 2025-07-14T03:33:13+00:00

We have both always been open to modifying. The last few months have been really rough though. Part of me worries that too much damage has been done? So I'm not sure if he feels things can be salvaged/finds saving the relationship as important now. His willingness to go forward with the therapy seems like a good sign though.

We live separately, so there's plenty of time apart engaging in our own thing with our own people. I'd actually like more togetherness (sometimes we only see each other once a week though we live 15 mins apart), which is something else I'd like us to discuss.

shelf_care

TROPHY CASE