How to Tell Your Date Your HIV Status
For magnetic couples--when one person is HIV positive and the other is negative, when to disclose this personal information can be stressful. The fear of rejection even though safe sex is still possible is very high and can hold one back from talking about it.
Instructions
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How To Tell Your Date Your HIV Status
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When should I disclose? According to Dr. Robert H. Remien, Ph.D. of www.thebody.com, is "an issue that effects a lot of people living with HIV. While there are some people who disclose their HIV-positive status very freely and openly with people right from the start, most people are more selective about who and when they disclose. There are no "rules" that apply to everyone in all situations. You are right in being concerned about potential reaction" when they do find out, especially if it occurs after significant intimacy. While it is important to respect one's privacy with such information, press for openness and honesty with people with whom you are becoming intimate. Why not continue to "take it slowly" in terms of sexual intimacy and look for an emotionally intimate opportunity to share this important information. "It is likely to make for a better potentially long-term relationship. And if they have issues with it isn't it better to find that out sooner rather than later?"
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What if we're not sure of your status? It may be wise for both of you to test together, so that you can reassure each other of your HIV negative status. Also having been involved in the past in a relationship with someone who was HIV+ is nothing to be ashamed of. However, each situation should be judged in its own context.
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Safe sex is possible even with an HIV infected person you just have to be vigilant about safe sex practices. Males are eight times less likely to contract the virus from a female due to the physical aspects of sex and the body but you should use protection every time. If a condom breaks, you are not automatically infected but you will want to get tested to be sure.
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It's best not to wait until you're putting on a condom to discuss the matter. Even if you both are negative, you'll want to know this as well. The disclosure law applies to all couples, not just infected.
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