AIDS Response Effort, Inc.

Health

HIV & Dating

December 31, 2011 by Tom Thayer in Health, News with 0 Comments

This topic is a huge one among HIV+ people looking to get into a serious relationship.  The big “What If?” Here are some important things to remember.

Some people find it easier at first to only date other HIV-infected people. If you choose to start dating only HIV-infected people, there are HIV-positive dating services on the Internet. Also consider taking personal ads in publications targeted to HIV-positive people. NOTE! – Dating only other HIV-infected people does not mean safer sex, specifically condom use, can be ignored. Even between two HIV-positive people, safer sex and condoms are a must with each and every sexual encounter because of the risk of re-infection.

Talk to other people living with HIV who have begun to date. Ask how they disclosed, what the experience was like, and if they have any advice for someone just entering the dating world. Be prepared for a reaction after you disclose. It is hard to predict what that reaction will be, ranging from supportive understanding to rejection and abandonment. Rest assured there will be a reaction, so be prepared for it.  Before disclosing, assess the relationship and the person you are about to disclose to. What will you gain from disclosing? Is the relationship worth risking your confidentiality?

HIV does not define who you are or what type of person you are. HIV does not rob you of your desires, your goals, or your personality. Healthy, rewarding relationships are possible for people living with HIV. Don’t compromise your standards or settle for anyone less than you desire for fear of that person being your only choice.  Having HIV does not mean you are desperate. Never lose your self esteem.

If you choose to use online services, use the same precautions anyone using such services would use. Your first meeting should be in a public place. Do not divulge too much personal information too soon. Do not let your guard down until you are sure the person you have met online can be trusted and is who he or she says she is.  MOST of all, before your relationship becomes sexual, you MUST disclose your status to your partner.

The world doesn’t end if you have HIV….

Tom Thayer

info: http://aids.about.com/od/legalissues/a/hivdating_2.htm

 

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Related Posts

Please leave a comment

Like us on Facebook
The latest political news
  • Big Pharma in the Hotseat on Capitol Hill
  • Scandal in Cancer Research?
  • Barriers to HIV Care
  • Vermont Wants Blood Ban Lifted
  • Howard University HIV Discrimination Lawsuit
Recent Photos
Most recent posts
Connect with us
Subscribe to our updates via email
Events – past and present
Recent Comments
  • Sharon Jeans Crawford: Wish I didn't hafta work.... View Post
  • Who's Positive: Newswise — WASHINGTON, D.C., May 11, 2012 -- Who's Positive, a national HIV awareness organization, today announced the results of a year-long online survey measuring support for over-the counter (OTC) HIV testing. The organization will present these results at the upcoming U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Blood Products Advisory Committee (BPAC) on May 15, 2012. Overall, the survey findings demonstrate support for rapid OTC testing - particularly from the HIV community - with approximately half of the respondents identified as people living with HIV/AIDS. The survey gathered responses from 1,569 participants, 74% of which said that they would support an OTC rapid, oral swab HIV test that could be purchased in a retail store, if approved by the FDA. Other key findings include: 66% of the respondents who identify as a HIV-positive consumer support an OTC HIV test. 80% of those aged to 30 support an OTC HIV test. A majority or nearly 52% of those who identified as a paid member of an HIV/AIDS organization support an OTC HIV test. 47% of those who identify as one who performs HIV testing support an HIV OTC test. “Our survey demonstrates widespread support for additional testing options, especially among younger generations and those who are already living with HIV,” said Tom Donohue, Founding Director of Who’s Positive. "Over-the-counter testing has the potential to break down barriers and empower people who have never been tested before to learn their HIV status and, if positive, find the care and support they need." About Who’s Positive. Who's Positive is committed to raising the awareness of HIV and its consequences. Our organization foregrounds the reality of living with HIV through the first-hand accounts of those coping with the disease. Who's Positive strives to remind the public that this is a virus with no cure. Through the stories of those living with HIV, Who's Positive hopes to reduce the transmission of HIV among teens and young adults - a population with one of the fastest growing infection rates. ### View Post
  • Red Ribbon: HELP US TO BUY AND SALE OUR BEADED RED RIBBON BADGES, ALL PROCEEDS GO TO SUPPORT CHILDREN ORPHANED BY THE AIDS EPIDEMIC, E.G. VISIT http://is.gd/eLt3CQ OR http://is.gd/F7mmDx TO ORDER DROP US AN EMAIL AT redribboncampaign@aymu.org. View Post
  • Leau Fille: you're welcome. hit me up! View Post
  • Roni Minter: Thank you View Post
© 2012 AIDS Response Effort, Inc. All rights reserved. This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.
Web design, development and hosting provided by Buzonya