Friends ·
Most positive men choose to confide in one or more close friends. If you are the first person they’ve known to be positive, your negative friends will be on a learning curve.
“When I’ve told people, close friends that I care about, I’ve felt kind of relieved but kind of guilty because I’ve been happy and they’ve been upset. I’ve been happy that I’ve been able to tell them finally and they’re all upset.” – Jack
Some will want to know all the details of your condition and any treatment you’re receiving and will frequently ask how you’re feeling. Others will listen to your news and carry on as before, barely, if ever, mentioning your status. Some may decide they don’t want to be around you anymore. If this happens, it’s hurtful and distressing. But ask yourself, do you really want to be mates with someone so ignorant? Your true friends will carry on liking and loving you the same as they always have.
Other positive men can be a great source of friendship and peer support. You may already have positive pals who you feel able to talk to about your situation and who can share their own experiences of living with HIV. It may even bring you closer together. If not, some local support groups run regular social groups for positive guys.
“I already knew a few people that had the virus before me that I kind of see as my gurus. If I do need to ask something or say I’m upset about something, I can do it to them and they’ll understand.” – Alex
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