siobhan

Well, I'm a girl who has herpes, and I just had to go through 'the talk' for the first time. And I had to answer alot of the same questions.

There's really no way to say that you will not contract this. And to gently correct you, it's a virus not a disease (when it comes down to it, there's a big difference).

There's ways to prevent possible transmittion, and that would be using a condom. That can't ensure you of everything, but it's a good step to take.

Herpes, can in theory, be spread when there is not outbreak, because a person 'sheds' the virus.

Count yourself lucky that you are with a person who is brave enough to tell you, and has her own cross to bear. One in four people have herpes, and the majority don't know. Be thankful that you've been given a choice. And I know that some of the wiser and more experienced posters here will have more to add.

I hope that you can find it in yourself not to be bullied by a simple virus.