Disease, discomfort, disfigurement. We’re imperfectly perfect in our physical forms. To compound this, for individuals living with STD’s, add the stigma and its potential to isolate, deprecate. Is there happiness after herpes? Worthiness for those with warts? Absolutely.
Embracing yourself fully, even though you have a condition that labels you as ‘less than’ makes you even more lovable. Moreover, being open about it with potential partners is a very straightforward way of determining if your Saturday night hook-up has potential to be something more.
Before you have sex with a new partner, tell them, fully clothed, looking them straight in the eye.
First and foremost, this is what people with integrity do. It is not okay to impose an STD on another person. He or she may not be evolved enough to see it as a gift. He or she will not appreciate finding out about it by way of a first outbreak. Second, it’s a fairly easy way to find out who might be real relationship material and who’s just looking for a piece of ass. (see You Say I’m a Slut Like it’s a Bad Thing)
Don’t despair, there will still be opportunities to have random sex, if that’s your thing. Be honest, use condoms, and talk to a health care professional about taking preventative medication. Chances of transmitting something like herpes over a weekend in Vegas, (or Cozumel or Tuscany) are pretty slim. No one should be reckless with their own health or another’s, but there’s no reason to limit yourself either.
Openness, vulnerability, integrity. These are all qualities that are hotter than hell. Lead with your strengths, but know your flaws are equally who you are. The realization of your profound okay-ness, the capacity to embrace yourself fully, is truly the greatest gift.
GynoGirlfriend May 9, 2015
