For many people with AIDS, the worse thing that will happen is someone finding out about the HIV infection. There is such a stigma attached to the disease and many times that will keep people from disclosing their HIV. Dating can be an important part of your life, but you will have to be honest with your partner. Many states are also pressing criminal charges against people with AIDS that do not disclose their disease before having sex.
Should you disclose your HIV status on your first date? Should you wait until you are more comfortable with your partner? These are personal issues and only you can decide which is best for you. Some people find it easier to tell their date as soon as possible, since they feel it easier to have very limited emotional attachment at that stage. Others will wait to see if they are going to continue dating. This is also a way that people with AIDS will limit the number of people who know about their disease. People with AIDS must disclose their disease before any type of sexual contact.
Many people with AIDS are only comfortable dating others that have HIV. Dating is hard enough for some without having to deal with someone rejecting them because of HIV. Dating or even just hanging out with people with AIDS is also a great way to locate a support system of people who understand HIV. Dating does not mean it must be sexual, either.
If you have HIV, dating other people with AIDS does not mean you should not use protection during sexual relations. You can become re-infected with HIV. Dating people with AIDS does not mean you are free and clear to practice risky sexual behavior patterns.
When people with AIDS begin to date again after they are diagnoses with HIV, dating can be extremely frightening. Fear of rejection and the opinions of other people are two of the main causes of this stress. Be prepared for a reaction from whoever you are disclosing your HIV status to and know it could be painful for you and for them.
People with AIDS must realize that they are not defined by their HIV. Dating and having relationships are possible. HIV does not define what type of person you are, nor does it take away all of your desires, goals, or personality. You can lead a healthy rewarding life with HIV. Dating is only one aspect of this life. Don’t let this disease compromise your standards or make you stay with someone you don’t want to because you feel being alone. Just because you have HIV, dating does not mean you must portray yourself as desperate. Never lose your self-esteem.