It happens to many people these days. They go to the doctor, whether for a routine checkup or because they’ve been experiencing odd symptoms, and they find out they have an STD. This diagnosis, whether for herpes or for some other illness, is at first devastating. Through it all, maintaining your self esteem with an STD can be the hardest part.
You should start by learning as much as you can about your STD. You’ll most likely have many questions that you should ask them! Asking questions and educating yourself will help you realize that this is not a debilitating condition and that you can live with it!
After the initial shock, it’s easy to feel sad and even dirty, as if one has done something wrong. But one doesn’t have to be promiscuous to have contracted an STD. Perhaps your partner brought this into the relationship. Perhaps you had a few relationships and aren’t sure about who could have given you this STD.
The most important thing you should know is that you are still the same as before the disease. The STD will teach you how to love yourself and how it’s imperative that you take good care of yourself. You definitely need to tell your partner that you have an STD. It might be embarrassing but it takes a lot of courage to do–something that not everyone could even do!
It’s certainly not ethical to go to bed with someone when you know the disease is active. But this will give you a chance to know someone and to allow him or her to know you. Don’t feel you have to lead with this information on the first date. Laugh and talk and do some interesting things so you see where it goes.The disease does not control you, but you can definitely control the disease.
You need to tell your partners what situation you are in. If you aren’t confident you can handle the STD, then your partner will be reluctant too! The disease won’t affect your life as much as the attitude you have towards it. If you act depressed all the time, then the disease will have taken over all your life. This doesn’t have to be the case.
If you’re not valued enough by that person to give you a chance, then perhaps you’re better off with someone else. Remember, don’t see yourself as diseased or as the disease. See yourself as one of the many people in the world today who are conscientious and smart but have contracted an illness that can be managed easily with some thought and care.
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