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A MOMENT FOR YOU

Is dating the next step for you?

Dating with herpes can bring up questions about confidence, sharing your status and finding someone who fits your life. Take a moment to consider what feels right for you today.

10 questions · About 3 minutes · No sign-up

Reflect on your pace, boundaries and connection, with practical prompts for life in Australia. There is no score to pass: having HSV does not decide your worth or whether you can have a relationship.

Your answers stay in this page’s memory. They are not submitted or saved, and disappear when you reload or leave.

What informed these questions?

Inspired by public Reddit conversations about disclosure, rejection and dating on PositiveSingles. These are individual experiences, not verified health advice, a representative Australian survey or a clinically validated test. The questions and suggestions are our own editorial work.

The reflection needs JavaScript to show one question at a time. Please enable it and reload, or explore our herpes dating guidance.

GLOBAL SUCCESS STORIES

I still remember the nervous tap of my fingers on the coffee table at that corner café. My blind date, had just arrived – exactly as described in her profile: curly auburn hair and a laugh like wind chimes. Our conversation flowed effortlessly over cappuccinos, from our shared love of indie films to her volunteering at animal shelters.

When she mentioned rescuing a kitten last week, I impulsively shared my own cat-wrangling disaster. We howled with laughter, breaking the ice completely. As the sun dipped below the rooftops, she leaned forward: "You know, I was dreading this. But you're... different."…

We matched on the app without expectations, just two people open to conversation. What surprised us was how quickly it felt different. Our messages turned into long talks about life, love, and healing, and there was an ease between us that felt rare. It was the kind of connection that didn't demand attention…it earned it.

When we met for dinner, everything clicked. Candlelight, quiet laughter, unhurried conversation …it felt less like a first date and more like a continuation of something already unfolding. We stayed longer than planned, savoring the moment, both aware that something meaningful was beginning…

You came into my life unexpectedly, yet at exactly the right time. Your heart, your strength, your kindness, and the way you see the world have touched me in ways I struggle to put into words. With you, I feel seen, understood, and inspired to be a better man.

Meeting you reminded me that real connections still exist the kind that go beyond screens and words, straight to the heart. You are not just someone I met online; you are someone I am grateful for, someone I admire, and someone I choose, every day…

We connected on the chats. Luckily he was witty, funny, handsome and had a great vibe while messaging back and forth. Got busy so I hadn't chatted with him in a few weeks then we messaged again and planned to meet at a fair. When that plan fell through we ended up meeting at a festival the day after.

Our first time meeting was at a French festival in a nearby city. Met and ran into one of my friends who does magic and balloon animals. It was cool that we got to experience that. We really hit it off after meeting that night and have been dating since. I'm glad I came to this site…

It started off decently on here, with decent conversations talking to people but nobody really catching my eye, until I met my fiancée. I stumbled across her profile and instantly, her face triggered memories that I thought were lost in my mind. I couldn't get ahead of myself but I went to message her.

So her page had this questionnaire that she devised to weed people out but I instinctively gave the right answers and caught her interest. Soon we were texting and calling all day everyday, confirming that not only had we been looking for each other, but we had seen each other in dreams for years…

I still remember the nervous tap of my fingers on the coffee table at that corner café. My blind date, had just arrived – exactly as described in her profile: curly auburn hair and a laugh like wind chimes. Our conversation flowed effortlessly over cappuccinos, from our shared love of indie films to her volunteering at animal shelters.

When she mentioned rescuing a kitten last week, I impulsively shared my own cat-wrangling disaster. We howled with laughter, breaking the ice completely. As the sun dipped below the rooftops, she leaned forward: "You know, I was dreading this. But you're... different."…

We matched on the app without expectations, just two people open to conversation. What surprised us was how quickly it felt different. Our messages turned into long talks about life, love, and healing, and there was an ease between us that felt rare. It was the kind of connection that didn't demand attention…it earned it.

When we met for dinner, everything clicked. Candlelight, quiet laughter, unhurried conversation …it felt less like a first date and more like a continuation of something already unfolding. We stayed longer than planned, savoring the moment, both aware that something meaningful was beginning…

GLOBAL INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

I have only been living with this for about 2 months. I am learning to take it day by day. I refuse to let it define me. Or limit me. I will not be reckless, but I will be adventurous. I will always disclose my status to potential partners – it has separated the sincere from the strictly sexual already. I know that I will still find real love, the love I deserve.

I am not just an STD. I am funny. I am strong. I am beautiful. I am sassy. I am worth getting to know. I am worth taking a chance on...for everything. The right man may or may not have Herpes, but the right man...

KEEP YOUR CONNECTIONS CLOSE WITH THE PS APP

CONNECTION THAT FITS YOUR LIFE IN AUSTRALIA

Living with herpes does not change your wish for affection, companionship or a meaningful relationship. PositiveSingles offers a community centred on dating, friendship and shared experiences for people living with herpes, HPV, HIV and other STIs. Start with what you want from a connection, and take the next step at a pace that feels comfortable.

CLOSER TO HOME CAN MEAN DIFFERENT THINGS

In Sydney or Melbourne, a match across the city may still mean a long journey. Around Brisbane and the Gold Coast, talk about where you would actually meet instead of relying only on a state label. A short coffee near transport can be easier to plan than an entire day together.

Whether you live in Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, Canberra or a regional community, choose a distance you would be happy to travel regularly. An online conversation can be a useful first step when a meeting would require a long drive or flight. Discuss kilometres, time and travel costs before making a commitment.

MAKE ROOM FOR YOUR EVERYDAY ROUTINE

Work rosters, family commitments and interstate time differences can shape how a relationship grows. Agree on a call time that works for both people, and check local times when clocks change. Share your preferred language rather than assuming it from someone's name or location.

For a first meeting, choose a public place and keep your own way home. If you plan to meet outdoors, have an alternative for heat or changing weather. You can keep the plan simple and decide afterwards whether you want to meet again.

YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR HSV STATUS

You may be newly diagnosed, returning to dating or looking for friends who understand. Read the privacy guidance, try the ten-question reflection or explore the Australia guide. For personal health questions, use Australian care resources.

Continue to PositiveSingles to register, sign in or search. Set Australia and your preferred state or territory on the official site; selections made here do not carry over.