Revealing agenital herpesdiagnosis to a romantic partner can feel like an extremely daunting challenge.

That way, you’re free to answer any of your partners questions.

This will give your partner time to digest the information.

Two people holding hands outside of a subway station looking serious

Leo Patrizi / Getty Images

The first is that herpes is extremely common.

Most people with herpes do not have any symptoms.

Therefore, its common for asymptomatic persons to unknowingly spread the virus to others.

That means being upfront and honest about information that I think they have a right to know.

I really like you, or else I wouldnt be having this awkward conversation.

Finally, there is one more thing I wanted to bring up.

I really hope I havent scared you off.

In the meantime… do you want to get dessert?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes.