Question
How can I tell my partner I am positive?
27 June 2015. Related: All topics, Sero different couples, Support.
Answer
Hi
This is something lots of people struggle with.
If you were not able to talk about this when you first met, or if you only found out later that you are positive, then there is no one way that fits every situation.
Your options depend on your circumstances and on the type of person that you partner is.
Some relationships survive well and become stronger. So you may be lucky. HIV is only a virus and treatment now means that you can life a long and active life. Treatment also means that your partner does not need to be at risk of catching HIV.
But if your partner is likely to react badly, then you have to think of yourself first and make sure that you will be okay. Ultimately, if you partner will not support you to have a full and happy life, then it is not good for you to be with them.
It might be that your partner is also HIV positive – whether or not they have tested. Sometimes people use their partners to blame them for their own infection.
Please ask you health worker to talk about this and whether there are support groups you can also talk about this first.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
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