How to Talk About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

In a new relationship, we usually try to put our best foot forward. We do not want to pull all our skeletons out of the closet and introduce them, so we keep them hidden away for a rainy day. Usually this is not a big deal, but there are some issues that can not be hidden away in the recesses of the closet and our minds. There are some pieces of information we will share as soon as things start to get physical or serious. One of these things is the realization that you have a sexually transmitted disease.

Now you do not go around with a badge on your chest that you have a sexually transmitted disease, but once you start spending time with someone, and things start to heat up, it's when you need to talk about it. You can really worried about how the person will react, but it is something you have to give them a choice about. Many people will accept the fact that they have to be more cautious, and some will not, but it must be their choice, and by giving them the choice that you respect them and give them an opportunity that you have not .

You can be a bit worried about how they will react, but you must have the conversation sooner rather than later when you can tell that the relationship is headed in a physical direction, and you should not wait until you are at the moment. What you can do is to buy some condoms and then sit down with your love interest and tell them that you have something important to talk with them. Just be straightforward about it. For example, one could say: "I wanted you to know before it went on, I was diagnosed with herpes last year," giving them a second to process this information before you proceed. Tell them "It's contagious, but as long as we use protection, it does not need to put a damper on our relationship."

You can have severe reactions from your love interest. In fact, you have to give them a little time to process all information. It could be a few days until you really have an idea of how they feel. In the beginning they may be too shocked to really respond, so do not press the issue. Let them feel, through this revelation in their own time and in their own way. Know that the worst that can happen is that they do not want to be with you anymore, and it is better that you learn it before long.