One of the challenges that face HIV-positive men and women involves finding ways to continue to have a rewarding social, romantic and sexual life. Unfortunately there continues to be fear and stigma about HIV and AIDS, but nobody living with HIV or AIDS should be forced to live in isolation. A number of dating sites have emerged to help HIV-positive individuals meet other people.
Tips and Warnings
One of the greatest advantages of an HIV-positive dating site is that it removes one of the toughest impediments to dating: how to tell someone that you are HIV positive. Stay open to change. If you are dating for the first time since you learned you are HIV positive, it is likely that you have changed and grown significantly since your last relationship. You may find yourself dating someone unlike anyone you have ever dated before.
Protect your privacy. Be honest and responsible about your HIV status and other issues, but remember that on the Internet, even on an HIV positive dating site, the spread of truth can be viral.
Prepare to Join an HIV-Positive Dating Site
Make a decision that it is time to begin meeting other people to find someone you would like to date. Decide whether there are specific parameters or requirements for people that you want to meet, including such things as age, gender, HIV status, and profession or relationship status. Look for an HIV-positive online dating site that is likely to draw the kinds of people you are looking for.
Take a few good, current photographs of yourself and maintain them in your computer’s “My Pictures” folder. A good, casual and well-lit photo is usually essential to getting noticed on any dating site.
Avoid dating websites that seem to exist primarily to draw traffic for ulterior advertising purposes, pop-up ads and spam. You can usually tell in your first few seconds of looking at a site whether or not it is legitimate. Illegitimate sites can do damage to your computer and waste your time without ever putting you in contact with any real people. Ensure that you trust any website before you join or provide private information such as email address or credit card information.
Meet Potential Dates on an HIV-Positive Dating Site
Write a fun, easy-going personal ad about yourself and consider running it by your friends for their reactions. Your personal ad and photograph will be your first impression, and will make a tremendous difference in the kind of people you meet and date.
Study other people’s personal ads on a site that appeals to you. Join and post your own ad and photograph there or on another legitimate site. Interact with people who interest you, based on their ads or their responses to your personal ad.