Herpes scare? What do you say?

True story from a friend below…  👀

Has this ever happened to you???

Giving (or getting) news about an STI test result or possible exposure? Has it ever sent people into an emotional tailspin, or freaked yourself out? 😬

The worrying kicks into high gear…

Most of us were never taught how to have these conversations well. And my friend went through a harrowing experience with her polycule because of this fact… Why? Becuase so many of us haven’t got sex geeky friends we can go to to get in-the-trenches advice —friends who’ve lived through the realities of STI exposure scares and positive test results— and can show you how they made it through and what they learned (and what mistakes to avoid!).

And I was honored that my friend reached out to me, that I was able to be there for her, talk her off the ledge, and share ideas and lived experiences in ways that were able to help.  

Here’s her TRUE LIFE STORY in her own words…

“Reid was the first person I reached out to when we got news of an HSV2 exposure in our newly formed polycule – something that impacted a lot of people in our circle. I was emotional, angry, overwhelmed by all the information online, and honestly pretty freaked out. It was my first time navigating something like this.

Reid met me with so much calm, kindness, and grace. He reminded me that STIs can absolutely suck, but they don’t have to become a huge, life-derailing deal. Because of him, I was able to approach the situation from a much steadier, calmer, and more compassionate place.

Navigating all of this was hard, especially at the start. But thanks to Reid, it became a far better experience than it would have been if I’d tried to figure it out alone. His guidance helped keep the focus on calm accountability and repair instead of spiraling into blame, shame, and high emotions – and I’m genuinely so grateful for that.”

~Kāsha

I am so proud of Kāsha, and the integrity and courage she brought to her friends and lovers by speaking up and sharing about her herpes exposure.

And, yes, many of her community had LOTS of feels and freaked out… 😱😬🤬😭😡 But Kāsha was prepped to expect THAT might happen, so she wasn’t caught off guard or thrown off balance, and was able to remain kind and loving to her friends who were struggling.

But what if Kāsha hadn’t called me? What if she’d shared with her friends from a place of OVERWHELM and FREAKING OUT herself? Or, WORSE… What if she’d NEVER SHARED and then it all came out later? How much MORE PAIN, BETRAYAL, and CHAOS would THAT create for Kāsha and her loved ones?

If You Are Familiar with THIS Scenario? Had a Similar Experience? You’re Not Alone!

What Kāsha Inspired…

Kāsha texted me a few days after our call, thanking me for our talk, and telling me that I should teach a class to help others avoid the emotional upheaval and clean-up she was going through with her polycule and play party friends.

Kāsha hit upon a GREAT idea!

Her suggestion, and my experience speaking with her, inspired the virtual class I’ll be running THIS Wed, April 8th, from 5:30-7:30pm Pacific on how to disclose a positive STI test result or exposure.

I hope you’ll join us and invite your friends and loved ones, too! Together, we can help YOU prevent (or at least lessen!) the kinds of things Kāsha is having to go through right now because her friends never had a chance to attend a class like this. 

And I promise to make this class as friendly, healing, and laughter filled as I can! #DadJokePowersAndCompassionateEmpathyActivate 💕

That’s it for today. Please share this with a friend who would benefit from it. And I hope to nerd out with you, if not during this class, then soon!

Yours in more ease, peace of mind, and love!
REiD
Ps. Many thanks to Kāsha for being an enthusiastic yes to sharing about her situation and experience to give more real-life context to why a class on this topic is so important and needed! Register now for the call link AND access to the replay!