Life Change and No One Knows

[limegreen]

I was diagnosed with HSV-1 almost three weeks ago. The part that is comforting, and really strange, is that I haven't changed to any of my friends. No one even knows what's going on. Everyone knows that work has been very stressful, but no one knows that my world just shifted in, what feels like now, a really major way. I have no one to talk to about it really, except the guy I'm seeing... who tends to blow it off and say it's no big deal.

Over all, yes, I get that; it isn't a major life threatening deal. But it is part of me now and forever. And no one even knows. I haven't changed to anyone. Comforting and confusing. How many people live with major secrets and don't let anyone who cares about them know that they are going through some pretty big things, very much alone.

Feeling a very large lack of trust - especially towards the guy I'm seeing. Even questioning the validity of relationships, marriage, etc. I'm not sure suddenly not trusting people is a normal response. But I am feeling quite isolated and untrusting - but it's all in my head, right? No one even knows anything has happened. That feels bizarre.

[SheIsBlue]

Hi limegreen, most of what happens to us in life is our reaction to it. Herpes can change your life if you let it. I do agree that it changes your sex life, but it's clearly not the end of anything. You need to educate yourself on how to live with the virus and accept that you have it. You don't have to tell anyone, except the person you are intimate with and your doctor. As far as trust issues go, there are lots of reasons we don't trust people and it's not necessarily in our heads. Being cautious is always a good thing.