In the spirit of full disclosure, I would much rather be writing about love and sex than STDs — which is why I am referring you to another site, but first . . .
. . . to answer Brody and friends — “yes” if you have it, you always know it. Someone who claims not to know is simply not telling the truth.
Contagious for life: Between 10 and 15 years ago, doctors across the globe blanketed their offices with information for men and particularly for women. (See June 11th — Herpes in the News, What you Should Know) Also Our Bodies, Ourselves made certain that women knew about their health and health risks.
Covering up — a pattern: When someone says, “I didn’t know…” it could be that they are in denial or simply dishonest.
No matter how good a story they might tell, think back on other episodes with the same person — are you dealing with a pattern of pathological lying? It is difficult to know. See posts this week titled, “Liar, Liar” June 21 and “Hey Guys, the Ladies Are on Your Side” June 23.
Watch House, MD: Those who fail to disclose remind me of a case on this show in which a woman gave a kidney to a lover about to leave her hoping that “obligation” would hook the two for life.
With STDs or herpes: In some perverted way, those who fail to disclose — and perhaps manipulate for sympathy — may think that the person whom they have infected will be unwilling to disclose to a new partner and therefore stay attached to them for life.
Can you trust? If a man or a woman will jeopardize your health think about how he or she might harm your reputation, your finances, your career?
Here is a site that has questions and answers — again, far less opinionated than I am. Cut me a bit of slack. I am an incurable romantic who belives that relationships are built on truthfulness. Herpes cold sores: How to tell
One last word, Brody — instead of anger be grateful that “the truth has set you free.”
Copyright 2008 Rita Watson