 Not everyone is comfortable talking about sex, or other risky behaviors that might put you at risk for HIV infection. But if you don't talk about sex and its risks, you could be living the consequences of that decision. If you think that talking about HIV and AIDS will cost you a relationship, remember that HIV could cost you a lot more - your life. Sometimes we think that we have good reasons not to talk about HIV and AIDS:
Other common reasons for not talking about HIV and AIDS might sound surprising. For example: "My boyfriend looks fine. I'd know if there was something wrong." You cannot tell if someone has HIV by looking at them. Someone might look fine or feel fine and still be infected. Since someone can be infected for a long time before even showing symptoms, that person might not know they are infected. "But I only have sex with my boyfriend. We're a couple." Just as your partner cannot be with you 24 hours a day, you cannot be with your partner 24 hours a day. Your partner may be engaging in risky behavior without your knowledge. That could be putting you at risk for HIV whether you are in a relationship or not. "We're both HIV-positive, so we don't have to think about safe sex." Not all strains of HIV are alike. An HIV-positive person can infect a partner with a new strain of HIV different than the strain that the partner already has. HIV strains can also mutate into forms that may be resistant to medication. People who are HIV-positive should practice safe sex and should not share needles with other people who are HIV-positive. Talking about HIV and AIDS helps you to protect yourself from HIV infection. Try some of these tips to help you and your partner talk about HIV and AIDS. Find the right time and place to talk. Do not wait until you are in the bedroom to discuss HIV. If you are thinking about not ruining the moment, you are taking the chance of putting yourself at risk. Talk somewhere where you and your partner feel comfortable. Try different ways to start the discussion. You might try saying something like, "I saw something on the news today about HIV-did you see that?" or, "Someone at school today talked to us about STDs-maybe we should talk about that." Communicate actively. Give your complete attention to the conversation. Ask your partner how they feel about HIV and your relationship. It is important that you do not do all of the talking all of the time. Listen closely to what your partner tells you. Ask questions if you do not understand what your partner said, or if something is not clear. Wait until your partner has finished talking before you ask questions. Constant interruptions will likely stop the discussion. Be considerate when talking about such sensitive subjects. Statements like, "I can't believe you think that," or, "You're wrong" will certainly end the conversation. Be clear about your attitudes and beliefs. What do you really think about sex or other risky behaviors like drug use? What do you believe about sex as part of a relationship? Protect yourself. Be prepared for the possibility that your partner will not share your opinions about openly discussing HIV and AIDS. If that happens, remember that you have the power and the responsibility to take care of yourself. You can make the decisions that protect you and your body from HIV infection. If your partner does not respect your concerns about HIV, ask yourself how comfortable you are in that relationship. Only you can decide the best way to discuss HIV and AIDS with your partner, your friends and your family. The most important thing is that we all start talking about it. |
HIV/AIDS - We Make The Change | ||||||
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