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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Dating is hard enough. Would you offer any advice to those who are seeking love or just companionship?

May 8, 2025
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Answer Summary

Members offered heartfelt advice on dating and making friends while HIV positive, with a strong theme of living fully and letting people get... Read more

Members offered heartfelt advice on dating and making friends while HIV positive, with a strong theme of living fully and letting people get to know the whole person first. Several members suggested stepping away from apps in favor of in-person socializing, joining community groups, and staying open to connections outside typical circles, including people from other countries. A recurring theme was balancing honesty about one's status with self-compassion, acknowledging that rejection is possible but that grace, authenticity, and community can still lead to meaningful relationships.

A myHIVteam Member

I chose to work in more social environments. Although I prefer to work in remote settings. Being out and working with people positions you to meet people. Second, your allowed to forget you have HIV and live life. Last weekend when this security guard I've been crushing on came up to my wine cart at work. I was too busy grinning and smiling to worry about HIV.

May 8, 2025 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

When I was single and I was single quite often I became addicted to online dating and sexual hookups. It wasn't until I got off those platforms and started going out socially to parties and events that I started to recognize what it is that I needed in a relationship. I did this for about 3 years on my own until I went on a date.

May 8, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

Everyone is different. Your HIV status is your private health information. I don't think it's a status you have to discuss with friends unless you want to. Dating is different because once you move towards sexual intimacy, you do need to have a conversation before you have sex. Even if you are undetectable and unable to pass along the virus, and even if you're using condoms, I believe your partner has a right to know. There are a lot of resources out there to help you have that conversation. Find one that uses the words you feel comfortable with. And know rejection is always a possibility. You just have to accept that and give yourself grace.

May 8, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

I’m a firm believer and honesty is the best policy. Tell him right up front. However, I have had a healthcare professional tell me in the past that if I am undetectable, I really don’t have to tell anyone. I feel there’s a moral obligation because in the past if I wouldn’t have been told by another party, which is currently my husband, I would’ve not known I had HIV and I could’ve caused a super infection by transmitting to him

May 8, 2025
A myHIVteam Member

I agree with NOLA-guy. Also, our pool as gay, HIV and older can get smaller. So be open. I am now dating someone out of the country but that may change, he wants to move here. I find foreigners are more accepting of many things (that's been proven/written about, so consider that. ) . Too many people with checklists here lol. I live in a region that has many groups and athletics dedicated to us. I keep that as my friend thing as dating in tight groups can get messy but be open to all including Meetups and athletic groups.

May 8, 2025

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