And the truth is – no matter how comfortable you are with your condition, there will be others who are completely unaccepting. That said, dating rejection is difficult enough – but there’s something especially painful about being rejected because of herpes.

Chances are, prior to being diagnosed with herpes – when you were turned down for a date – you just shrugged it off and reminded yourself that “there are plenty of fish in the sea”. Now that you are living with herpes, the reality has set in – there may not be as many “fish in the sea” as you once believed. So how do you deal with the rejection when you are single and dating with herpes?

1. Get over it: Yup! That’s what I said – you really have to just get over it. I understand that is certainly easier said than done, but you can not allow yourself to get depressed over someone telling you “no”. There will be people who tell you no, but do not get caught up in those people – your only concern should be with finding the one person who says “yes”.

2. They just weren’t meant for you: I fully believe that there is someone for everyone. Whether you have genital herpes or one arm – there is someone who will love you fully and completely just as you are. The more time you spend focused on the one who rejected you, the less time you will have available for the who will accept you

3. Look for others like you: You may feel that only dating other people with herpes is very limiting, but that is part of the reality of this situation. Now I’m not suggesting that you lower your standards, or that you isolate yourself – however the facts are what they are. There will be people who will not be willing to give you a chance simply because you have genital herpes. Now that said, it is important that you remember one thing – you are not alone my friend! There are millions of singles just like you – suffering silently and looking for love. From local community support groups, online support groups and even online dating sites just for people with herpes.

You may have this disease, but it does not define who you are. Focus on those who love you and accept you, and you’ll find peace with your circumstance and happiness in your love life.

I personally suggest registering with PositiveSingles.com – they are the largest and most trusted dating site for people suffering with genital herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases.

You may have given it to them, or they may have given it to you – how you contracted it is really besides the point, you want out of the relationship but are deathly afraid of what the single life will have in store for you. Having herpes is difficult enough, but having herpes and being in a relationship made you feel safe – now having the virus and the thought of being single is depressing.

First know that you are not alone. You’ve likely heard all of the statistics regarding the number of people with either HSV-1 or HSV-2, and you’ve likely heard the spiel about how it isn’t “that serious” – but to you it is, and exposing yourself to a mean unforgiving public isn’t a task you’re up for at the moment.

Here are a few things for you to think about:

1. Never bargain away your happiness: Your ultimate happiness is not a bargaining chip to be traded away for something less valuable. Remember the saying – “when you settle for less, you usually get less than you settled for”. Or as one r&b songstress sung ” the things that we accept, will be the things that we regret”. Make no mistake about it, if you stay in your current relationship simply because you are afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone, you are making a grave mistake. Your feelings will soon turn to bitterness, resentment and hatred. Who wants to be in a relationship that’s full of those types of negative and life sucking emotions?

2. Herpes does not define you: At the risk of sounding like a broken record, allow us to remind you one more time that you are NOT alone. There are millions of people with oral and genital herpes, and hundreds of thousands of single people – looking for love and happiness just like you are. If you are full of guilt and shame, you will attract people who feed on and exploit that. If you walk in acceptance, happiness and comfort- people will reciprocate that as well.

3. You have options: Despite what others have said, regardless of how herpes always seems to be the butt of the joke (no pun intended) – you do have options. There are thousands of couples where one person in the relationship has herpes, and the other does not. Not only that – but there are online dating sites dedicated to helping people with HSV find successful relationships.

Staying in a relationship at the risk of compromising your happiness and complete fulfilment is never a good idea. Don’t be afraid to step out on your own and explore your options. Positive Singles, the #1 herpes dating site – is a really great place to start!

Michael Vick is likely the most popular of the three. In the early 2000′s he was sued by an unnamed young lady for failing to disclose his genital herpes diagnosis and ultimately transmitting the virus to her. According to the reports, Vick was fully aware of his status and even used the moniker “Ron Mexico” as his alias when he received his testing for the disease.

Liza Minnelli’s ex-husband, David Gest used the fact that she had not told him of her HSV-2 status until after they were married as a way to have their prenuptial agreement dismissed. And in 1986, Robin Williams was sued for over six million dollars by an ex-girlfriend who claimed that he infected her with herpes.

Not all celebrities take this route with their status, in fact Ann Heche has been pretty forthcoming about the fact that she has genital herpes – in her 2001 autobiography, she revealed that she has had it since her childhood when she contracted it from her father who molested her. Billy Idol has also candidly admitted to having it as well.

The list of rumored celebs with it is even longer, ranging from Derek Jeter, Brad Pitt and Bill Clinton to Jessica Alba, Janet Jackson, Brittany spears and Paris Hilton.

At the end of the day, sexual health and medical history is an extremely private and sensitive matter that should never be broadcast to the world – and only shared with those you trust and intend to have an intimate relationship with. To an extent, celebrities have forfeited a certain amount of that privacy in exchange for wealth and power. But the question still remains – what can we learn from celebrities with herpes?

1. Importance of disclosure: The stigma of oral and genital herpes carries much shame and guilt. Most people would sooner cut off the tips of a finger than tell the entire world that they have the disease. However when you are worth hundreds of millions, embarrassment, shame and guilt can be put on the back-burner in hopes of a six or seven figure out of court settlement. Although Michael Vick did eventually settle out of court, his dirty little secret was now out of the bag – and it obviously hasn’t had a negative impact on his ability to have relationships. Now the chances of you being sued by someone for giving them herpes may be a lot slimmer, but don’t take that for granted. Knowingly putting someone else at risk is extremely irresponsible and can lead to a lot of hurt and pain. So while you may not face a court case, your status may be publicized and your reputation damaged. Exposing yourself may be an incredibly scary thing to do, but taking away someone else’s options is even scarier. You were once in their shoes – so remember that.

2. Herpes doesn’t define you: Is Brad Pitt any less hot because he’s rumored to have herpes? Is Billy Idol any less talented because he has admitted to it? Is Robin Williams less funny? Or Michael Vick less talented? The fact that you have herpes (in any form) doesn’t define you, nor does it make you any less great, fabulous, beautiful, smart, or attractive. People will treat you in the same way you treat yourself. If you are full of guilt and shame, you will invite people into your life who will exploit that and use you. If you come to terms with your disease, accept that this is something you have to deal with, and seek to educate others – then you will attract people who are comfortable, accepting and supportive.

Now certainly some of these things are easier said than done, but that does not negate your personal responsibility in this matter. Treat others with the same respect and consideration that you would want to be treated with.

If you are still uncomfortable with the idea of outing yourself – try registering at some of the more popular herpes dating sites, including Positive Singles.

As you know, there is no cure to the herpes simplex virus. Although the virus is not deadly or particularly dangerous – it is still incurable. Disclosing your status to any potential sexual partner is a must. There are many within the herpes community who do not feel comfortable dating outside of the “group” – however when dating people who do not have herpes, there are a few things that you can and should do to protect them.

1. Be honest about your outbreaks: Nothing ruins spontaneity like an annoying herpes outbreak! You should consider yourself highly contagious when you are experiencing an outbreak, so it is best to refrain from intercourse during these times.

2. Pay attention to your prodrome symptoms: Part of being honest about your outbreaks involves you knowing when they actually occur. Due to the fact that they aren’t always visible or noticeable – keep track of the symptoms you have immediately before an active outbreak. In other words, are your glands and lymph nodes tender? Do you have any body aches? Abnormal itching? A tingling sensation near your outbreak sites? Knowing your symptoms will give you a better idea of when you may be shedding.

3. Eat healthy: Many people with herpes report increase in outbreaks when they eat certain foods. It is widely known that things like peanuts, caffeine, and even wine can cause the dormant virus to make it’s way to the surface. If certain foods are your triggers, try to avoid them or find alternatives.

4. Take a form of suppressive therapy: We’re sure you’ve seen the cheesy Valtrex commercials – where one person in the couple has herpes, and the other person has not – and it’s been that way for years! As cheesy as they may be, there is an element in truth behind the commercial and the product itself. Studies show that when taken regularly, Valtrex drastically reduces the chances of passing the virus on to your partner. If you are dating outside of the herpes community, you should make it a point to take your meds on a daily basis as prescribed.

5. Always use protection: It is important to note that the herpes simplex virus can be passed on even when you use condoms. Since the primary form of transmission is through skin to skin contact, if you have surface level shedding in a place not covered by a condom – you are still contagious. It is also important to remind you that both genital and oral herpes can be transmitted during oral sex. With those things said, using condoms is still a “must”. Condoms combined with suppressive therapy reduce the transmission rate to less than 2-3%

Now these five tips are just a few of the ways to make dating those without herpes less stressful, the other alternative is to explore your dating options amongst the herpes community. Although the disease is still taboo and demonized, there is a rather large online dating community out there just waiting to meet you! Positive Singles is one of the premiere herpes dating sites.

When a couple are in a relationship and either one or both learn that they have genital herpes – there is usually a lot of finger pointing, blaming, and accusations of cheating. Now unless you absolutely know that your ex was unfaithful and contracted herpes in the process – there is unfortunately know way of being one hundred percent certain as to who you may have got it from. Short of a confession that is.

Here are a few things to keep in mind about genital herpes:

1. Contrary to popular opinion, the herpes virus does not always take the form of huge nasty open sores oozing with puss and blood. In fact, most with the virus state that their repeat occurrences can often go unnoticed, and if they didn’t already know what it was – they wouldn’t have guessed it to be herpes simplex.

2. Herpes is contracted through skin to skin contact. What this means is that, unlike most other sexually transmitted diseases – you can actually get it even when using condoms perfectly every single time without fail.

3. Herpes can in deed lay dormant for many years. We should preface that by saying this – by and large, the initial herpes outbreak is the absolute worst. It can show up anywhere, it is painful and usually lasts for two to three weeks. Most people know, without a doubt – that something is wrong. Now here’s the tricky part, that “something” could be anything. If a person doesn’t suspect that they have a sexually transmitted disease – they could easily mistake their initial outbreak for a rash, allergic reaction, or even sunburn if they’ve recently had that area exposed!

Now with those three things in mind, the truth is this – it could be possible that your ex didn’t know that hey or she had herpes. On the contrary, it could also be possible that it was you who gave it to them!

Trying to figure out who gave you herpes is mostly a waste of your time and energy, not only that – but it leads to a lot of unnecessary stress that will surely lead to more uncomfortable outbreaks!

After you’ve processed your diagnosis, and decide that you’re ready to re-enter the dating scene, know that there are a ton of people out there in the same boat as you! Positive Singles is one of the top dating sites for people with genital and oral herpes.

So imagine your surprise when you wake up one morning with to urinate and only to experience an intense burning sensation. It’s a pain like no other pain you’ve ever had – you examine your genitals and notice several open sores. A sexually transmitted disease is the last thing on your mind; perhaps you are having an allergic reaction to a lubricant? Maybe it’s the new laundry soap you’re trying out? Either way – you decide to visit your doctor just to be certain. Within a few days you receive the most startling and shocking news – what you thought was a simple allergic reaction is in fact, genital herpes.

Of course, you immediately confront your significant other who admits that while they knew they carried the herpes virus, they thought it was no “big deal”. Heartbroken, and suffering from a life long incurable disease – you end the relationship. Of all the things going through your mind at that very moment, the future of your dating and love life are likely at the top of your list. How can I ever date again? Who will want me like this? Those are just a few of the questions you’re asking yourself.

Unlike most other STD’s – herpes, be it genital or oral – can be passed on even when you use protection one hundred percent of the time. The herpes simplex virus when dormant, is found in the nervous system – either at the base of the spine, for genital herpes – or in the neck area – which causes oral herpes. When activated, the virus travels through the nervous system and surfaces at the skin level. Oral herpes can show anywhere on the face and genital herpes can manifest anywhere below the waist. It is passed along via skin to skin contact. Though sometimes considered a sexually transmitted disease, many in the medical community view it as a dermatological occurrence. This is the reason why the virus is so widespread, and why condoms don’t protect you.

How you proceed with your dating and love life will largely be up to your comfort level with your condition. Disclosing yourself as a carrier of the herpes virus may be something that you aren’t willing to at any point. An estimated 80% of the adult population in the US has been exposed to or are carriers of herpes type 1, with nearly 35% being carriers of type 2, despite these numbers – herpes is still pretty taboo. While there are some with herpes who have no problems exposing themselves to the general population, there are just as many – if not more – who prefer not to.

You don’t want herpes – no one does, but it is important for you to know that you are not alone. The Internet has been a life saver for many sufferers of the virus. You’re dating options are as close as the tips of your fingers with the numerous herpes dating websites available.

Positive Singles is one of the best dating sites for those with herpes – we recommend them above all others!

For your FREE E-Book on the Truth About Herpes Cures, simply send a blank email to : report@yougotherpes.com

An estimated fifty million adults in America are infected by the herpes simplex virus and the wide majority of them do not know. This blissful ignorance is the reason why herpes is the fastest growing sexually transmitted diseases amongst young adults. Now chances are those stats don’t make you feel any better about your situation, but it is important to realize that you are not alone. Although you should not feel limited to dating strictly within the herpes community, doing so is a great way to help eliminate some of the stresses you may feel when you think about dating people who do not have herpes.

Thanks to the resourcefulness that the internet provides, there are online dating and personal sites for just about everyone under the sun.

Be you white, black, tall, short, Jewish or Christian, there’s a dating website that caters to you. This same thing goes for people infected with oral and genital herpes! Yup, there are dozens of herpes dating websites.
PositiveSingles, MPwH and STDDate are amongst the most popular. They provide a safe place for people with the  herpes virus to come together and interact without fear of judgment or ridicule. No matter what you decide to do, just don’t take yourself out of the dating game. Don’t allow the disease to take away your opportunity for love.

First, let’s get a few herpes facts out of the way:

1. Herpes is spread through skin to skin contact, this includes kissing as well. If you have herpes of the mouth, you can spread it by kissing.
2. Herpes can be spread even when you show no outward signs of an outbreak.
3. Herpes of the mouth can be transmitted to the genitals during oral sex.

Now that you have been reminded of how herpes is spread, let’s answer the question of how and if you should tell your date. Although the herpes virus poses no threat to life, the disease is still very much misunderstood and demonized. Herpes is often the butt of the joke amongst the younger generations and this can make disclosing your status very uncomfortable. Unless and until you are very comfortable with the fact that you have herpes, it is not necessary to out yourself on the first date.

Before you consider telling a potential new partner about your herpes status there are a few things that you may want to think about:

1. Trust: Can you trust this person? No matter how comfortable you are with your herpes situation, not everyone needs to know that you are infected with the virus. If you tell this person, can you trust that they will keep it in confidence and not try to humiliate you amongst mutual friends or strangers?

2. Is there a future: Even though it’s just a first date, you have to ask yourself if you really see any future dates with this person. If you’re pretty certain that there won’t be any more dates, then save yourself the trouble. However if you believe there will be multiple dates afterward know that you will eventually need to tell your new friend about your oral or genital herpes.

Not every date leads to a relationship or intimacy, so you should not feel compelled to talk about herpes until you have really confirmed whether or not there is any long term potential. If the idea of dating outside of the herpes community scares you – there are dozens of online herpes dating sites available.

PositiveSingles.com – the best, most trusted and largest anonymous STD dating site!

Being single with herpes is undoubtedly an extremely difficult thing to deal with. You have to deal with questions on whether you can trust a new partner with your secret, you worry that they may tell everyone you know about your condition – or worst yet – reject you in a horribly humiliating way. Although it is estimated that nearly one in five adults have either herpes simplex type 1 or herpes simplex type 2, an estimated eighty percent of those people are unaware of their status. This can make dating with herpes very challenging, this is even doubly so with genital herpes as most people see herpes type 2 as the “nasty” herpes.

No matter what your age or how long you have had the herpes virus, it is important that you know that you are not alone. The advent of the internet has brought together those with herpes from all over the world. Not only is love with herpes right at the tip of your fingers, but the web has also spurred the creation of many herpes and HSV support groups. You know longer have to suffer in silence nor do you have to fear being alone for the rest of your life.

There are dozens of sexually transmitted disease dating sites, these include sites created specifically for those with herpes, HSV as well HIV/AIDS. Let’s discuss some of the most popular herpes dating sites.

Positive Singles: PositiveSingles is the largest STD dating site on the web with an estimated one hundred thousand members. The are really a full feature online dating site just as you would expect for non-std sites. PositiveSingles is not limited to just people with herpes though, there membership also allows for people with HSV, hepatitis type B&C and HIV/AIDS. Although herpes is an incurable disease it is not a potentially fatal disease like HIV/AIDS. Privacy is a huge concern when it comes to somethiing as sensitive as health conditions, PositiveSingles does allow you the ability to control who can and can not see your profile.

Meet People With Herpes: Meet People With Herpes, or more commonly known as MPWH is the largest dating site dedicated specifically to those with herpes/HPV. MPwH has a community atmosphere complete with forums, chat rooms, and a regularly updated bulletin. The user interface isn’t as pretty as PositiveSingles but the membership is reportedly very active.

There are millions of people with herpes who are still living their lives, having successful relationships, getting married and having children. Your herpes diagnosis does not signal the end of your dating life.

PositiveSingles.com – the best, most trusted and largest anonymous STD dating site!