I had the exact same thing happen to me. Except switch genders. At first, I was devastated and I felt diseased and unwanted but that was 8-9 years ago. Nowadays, it’s really not an issue I even think about at all. I used Get an outbreak every month now it’s been so long I can’t even remember the last time.

I still have been burned and shjt talked to when I tried the whole “I have herpes and idc who knows!” Attitude and mentioned it in casual conversation like it wasn’t a big deal. People who never experienced it will still have the wrong impression about it so I avoid any talk of it and will only tell serious partners. I know I don’t put anyone at risk cause I can literally feel an outbreak coming and refrain from physical contact Also; my doctor said as long as you take your pills when you have an outbreak you’re not contagious. So that’s what I do