u/Disastrous_Ear_926

I will say, prior to my diagnosis, my teen relationships weren't with the most emotionally intelligent people. They were kinda mean and didn't take sexual health seriously- both of which are non-negotiable for me now.

Recently I met someone who is everything I've ever wanted in a partner and more. I disclosed the first day we met, because I don't have anything to hide or any time to waste in any aspect of my life. He didn't flinch at the disclosure conversation, and instead, thanked me. We've been going steady since and I asked him, "you could easily be with someone who doesn't have this as there may always be a little chance of transmission." And he said he was the last thing on his mind, that he is well aware of what he is getting into and that he was completely fine with it. That having it didn't devalue me and it wasn't even a red flag or a problem at all. In fact, he encourages me to do the things I love, get rest, and remain as stress free as possible and he's always willing to help. And it's been amazing.

I see so many posts on here of people thinking the disclosure convo is going to go south, nobody will ever consider them again...and once I was one of those people. Life threw us a wild card and now it's our choice to decide if we are going to sink, or if we are going to swim. Just because it isn't a "sexy" or "socially public" topic, doesn't make herpes less real to other people. It's so incredibly common. You may be scared to say it (with reason) but chances are someone either has it, knows someone that has it, or is completely ok with it.

So please stay hopeful, be you, and don't let this diagnosis drive you into fear and take over your life.

It's been a little over a year of having this and now I truly forget I have it. I ended up writing the book I wish I had when I first got diagnosed and oddly...feel more confident than ever. More than happy to share the link if anyone is interested.

I know one of the first thoughts we have is, "who is going to want me now?"

Please make sure your first answer is you. Want yourself. To still be yourself, live with yourself, and keep color in your life. You cannot overcome the diagnosis if you let it take over your life- so take the time to accept you have it, get confident with it, and you'll be more than fine.

My inbox is open for those struggling<3

One day, despite playing it safe, you may end up in a position you thought you'd never be in- having a lifelong STD.

The Little Book of Herpes is for anyone struggling with their diagnosis and will provide you with peace over panic; and remind you that life still goes on. Your feelings are completely valid, acceptance will be a journey- but nothing changed about you other than obtaining new information about you body.

You will still go on to live a good, and happy live. And yes, you will still have a sex life and find love.

(This is a modern book compared to all the stale and medical books currently written in this category.)

When it comes to disclosure, what is a pain point for you? What would you like to know?

One day, despite playing it safe, you may end up in a position you thought you'd never be in- having a lifelong STD.

The Little Book of Herpes is for anyone struggling with their diagnosis and will provide you with peace over panic; and remind you that life still goes on. Your feelings are completely valid, acceptance will be a journey- but nothing changed about you other than obtaining new information about you body.

This is a modern book compared to all the stale and medical books currently written in this category.

The Little Book of Herpes is a real-life guide to remind you that you are still capable of a full life and that this diagnosis doesn't define you. It's ok to grieve a life you thought you'd have forever, but that you still have a life after this too. This is a modern, refreshing take on a very stigmatized topic.

One night I was frustrated about the lack of resources available to people with HSV and decided to create the book I wish I had when I was diagnosed. No medical professional tells you how to regain your confidence, how to disclose, and how to validate your every negative thought and feeling post an STD diagnosis. Every book on this topic is medical, stale, and outdated. (And a scam into thinking you'll get "cured.")

The Little Book of Herpes is the guide the community needs to remind you that you are still capable of a full life and that this diagnosis doesn't define you. Your feelings are valid, and you will still live a full life and find love.

Because no medical professional tells you how to regain your confidence, how to disclose, and how to validate your every negative thought and feeling post an STD diagnosis. Every book on this topic is medical, stale, and outdated. (And a scam into thinking you'll get "cured.")

The Little Book of Herpes is the guide the community needs to remind you that you are still capable of a full life and that this diagnosis doesn't define you. You are still you- just with new information about your body.

This started off as a personal book; the one I wish I had when I first got diagnosed. Because no medical professional tells you how to regain your confidence, how to disclose, and how to validate your every negative thought and feeling post an STD diagnosis. Every book on this topic is medical, stale, and outdated. (And a scam into thinking you'll get "cured.")

The Little Book of Herpes is the guide the community needs to remind you that you are still capable of a full life and that this diagnosis doesn't define you. You are still you- just with new information about your body.

It's really resonated with readers which makes me so touched. This is a very traumatic thing to process and I hope everyone can be more empathetic towards others, and themselves.

Esto empezó como un libro personal—el que yo misma necesitaba cuando me diagnosticaron.

Porque ningún profesional de la salud te enseña cómo recuperar tu confianza, cómo hablarlo con otras personas, ni cómo procesar y validar todos los pensamientos y emociones negativas que vienen después de un diagnóstico de una ITS.

Todos los libros que existen sobre este tema son médicos, fríos y desactualizados.

El Pequeño Libro del Herpes es la guía que esta comunidad necesita para recordarte que sigues siendo capaz de tener una vida plena, y que este diagnóstico no te define.