To all you lurkers ... A love letter to you. :)

Hi all!

I remember when I first got herpes, I would scan herpes forums like this one, live vicariously through other people's questions and the answers they got and the ensuing conversations that followed, but I wouldn't DARE post anything ... And that went on for a while ...

I was still hiding. It felt safe. And it was quite lonely.

It wasn't until I took that next step to participate in the conversation (however anonymously I chose to be) that I actually got a firsthand experience of being able to express MYself and MY feelings, to really get that I myself wasn't alone, to get the support I myself needed. And boy, what a RELIEF that was to let it all out!

I've heard from a lot of people through this community that it took them months of trolling on these boards before they considered actually posting anything. If you happen to be one of those people reading this right now, I offer to you a compassionate hand, reached out to you. I offer you my love, my appreciation, my ear to listen. Come out from the shadows. There's no reason to hide. It's a beautiful day out here in the light. ;) Be as anonymous as you'd like to be. Share yourself. Share whatever is true for you right now. Let us support you in whatever is going on right now.

Because I promise this: We can relate. Not only as people with herpes, but as fellow human beings all going through our varying degrees of human beingness. ;)

And when you reach out and allow yourself to be supported and seen for who you are, that's when the true healing begins.

Here's to you on your healing process ... We love you.

<3

you my friend. are amazing

Thank you Adrial for all that you do. This is a helpful site.

Adrial you touch so many lives and give people hope. You are a beautiful soul. I can't wait to connect with people on the forum I know it will be great!