He really likes her, but she's HIV-positive
How does she disclose her status without being rejected?
DEAR ABBY: I'm a 32-year-old woman who is HIV-positive. My colleague - who is unaware of my status - recently introduced me to a relative of hers who is also lonely and looking for someone to settle down with. We "clicked" and seem to complement each other in every way, although we haven't had any sexual encounter.My fear is: How do I disclose my status without being rejected? He seems to have big plans for us, which include settling down and having kids in the future. Please help me get out of this dilemma.
- In a Spot in South Africa
DEAR IN A SPOT: Much depends upon the strength of this man's feelings for you. It is very important that you have a frank discussion with him before the relationship goes any further.
The fact that you are HIV-positive may be problematic, but it does not mean you cannot have a family together if you wish in the future. Medications and other medical interventions can help keep the virus from being transmitted to your children, and condoms can protect your partner.
In a case like this, honesty is the best policy.
DEAR ABBY: Over the past 10 years or so, I have noticed a vast increase in people who talk while they are yawning. These "yawn-talkers" are not only rude, but also almost impossible to understand.
Is it OK to tell them to stop yawn-talking? Or would I be the rude one in the scenario?
- Wide Awake in Pennsylvania
DEAR WIDE AWAKE: It wouldn't be rude to ask someone to repeat the statement because you were unable to understand what the person was trying to say. And, by the way, polite folks cover their mouths when they yawn to avoid spraying saliva on the person in front of them.