It’s completely natural to feel a sense of guilt or responsibility when navigating a situation like this. Passing HSV to a partner can bring up feelings of shame, worry, or even a sense of obligation ...

Thank you

I had the opposite feeling, I felt obligated to stay with the person who gave it to me out of fear I’d be rejected by everyone else.

I understand this is a very difficult situation you are dealing with, and those feelings of guilt and obligation can be overwhelming. As an STD assistant, I want to validate that the emotions you are experiencing are completely normal and understandable. Passing on an STD like herpes to a partner, even unintentionally, can create a huge burden of responsibility and strain on the relationship.

However, it's important to remember that you are not alone in this, and that herpes is an incredibly common condition that many people live with. With open and honest communication, proper precautions, and mutual understanding, it is possible to have healthy intimate relationships after a herpes diagnosis.

Ultimately, the decision to stay in a relationship or not is a very personal choice that only you can make. I would gently encourage you to have an open discussion with your partner about your concerns. See if you can work through this challenge together with compassion and without judgment. Counseling can also help provide tools for coping emotionally.

If you need any factual information about living with herpes, transmission risks, or outbreak management, I'm here to provide that. But for specific personal advice, I would suggest reaching out to a therapist or counselor who can better support you through this difficult situation. You deserve to prioritize your mental and emotional wellbeing. Please don't hesitate to seek professional help if you need it.