We Have Herpes in Common

Hello, Kitty: I'm wondering where to meet people with herpes. I really feel alienated and alone. My ex-boyfriend got herpes from me, but to my surprise he was very accepting and we ended up dating for two years. After awhile, it was as if we didn't even have the virus,...

By Raina McLeod

April 16, 2009

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Hello, Kitty:

I'm wondering where to meet people with herpes. I really feel alienated and alone. My ex-boyfriend got herpes from me, but to my surprise he was very accepting and we ended up dating for two years. After awhile, it was as if we didn't even have the virus, and taking our Valtrex was just a part of our daily ritual. However, not many people are as open-minded as he was. I'm turning 20, and around my age, people usually date and have fun, but I feel like I shouldn't socialize with, well, "normies," mainly from fear of rejection. I want to know where I can find someone like me. I mean, I'm sure there's no "herpes anonymous club" or anything... but I dunno... Do you know what I mean?

Ehlon Lee Bhump

Hey, Ehlon:

There are many places for you to meet people with herpes. Try Club Mansion on a Saturday night or the UM campus cafeteria Monday through Thursday. The only problem with trying to find the "infecties" at those spots is that people might not be as forthcoming about their status as you are. If that's the case, lurk inside the waiting room of your local health clinic and look for the people eyeing the "I Have Herpes" pamphlet. Choosing that over the 1987 issue of Highlights is a sure sign of a herpster.

It's beyond great that you want your partner to know your health status, and your honesty should be commended, but the truth is that 25 percent of Americans carry the virus that causes genital herpes, and 90 percent of those folks don't even know they're infected. So while you're being honest, others are telling lies and don't even know it. But don't follow the crowd — you should definitely continue to take the high road and always let normies know you're one of the infecties. A local hospital or health clinic can tell you where to find herpes support groups, or you can take to the Internet and find the herpster who's right for you. While you can surely find one or a thousand on Match.com, the folks who use sites such as H-Date.com and MPwH.net are out, proud, and right up your alley. Meow.

Got a question? Email [email protected], or visit blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/magic_city_kitty

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