Telling trusted friends

It's been nearly six weeks since I got my HSV-2 diagnosis and I hadn't told anyone except my giver and two doctors I've seen. My giver and I are not together so I struggled quite a bit with feelings of isolation. This forum has been wonderful but the anonymity feels so detached. It's not the same as having someone who knows me in my corner.

So tonight I told two trusted friends (one of whom is a psychiatrist) and it could not have gone any better. Both have HSV-1 and understand that it's just a virus with a pretty unfortunate stigma attached. They gave me hugs, poured me a shot of whiskey and assured me that this will not define me. It's simply my next obstacle to overcome. It was exactly what I needed to hear.

So if you're worried about sharing your shame, don't be. The people in your life who love you are going to regardless. Share at your discretion but don't keep it all bottled up.

I wish I could believe you :)

Thus is wonderful, @SPATX919! How awesome to have such supportive friends. As Brene Briwn says, "Shane happens between people and it heals between people." Your post gave me the warm fuzzies today. :-)