Can You Be Perfect with Herpes

The support group call this week delved into a topic we rarely discuss but is profoundly relevant - perfectionism. This hit close to home for me, being an only child and feeling the pressure to conform to an ideal persona. The journey of striving to be perfect has been a constant in my life, and the diagnosis of herpes brought a new layer of complexity to this pursuit of flawlessness.

Perfectionism often stems from external expectations, whether from family, peers, or society. Seeking approval and fearing criticism can foster perfectionistic tendencies. Childhood experiences, like receiving praise based on achievements rather than effort, contribute to the development of perfectionism. Additionally, the constant comparison to others in competitive environments fuels these tendencies.

For those perfectionists diagnosed with herpes, a new challenge emerges. We become our harshest critics, experiencing a profound sense of disappointment for not meeting our own high standards. This disappointment is accompanied by a fear of consequences, potential criticism, and its impact on our self-image, especially in the context of a herpes diagnosis. Self-critical thoughts and negative self-talk become common, reinforcing the idea that we should have done better.

Addressing this imperfection becomes crucial in our healing journey. Perhaps, the herpes diagnosis serves as a catalyst for healing from perfectionism, helping us confront anxiety and fostering growth. The conversation in the support group highlighted how perfectionism interferes with disclosing and dating post-diagnosis. The fear of making the wrong move can paralyze us, hindering our participation in the dating scene.

Perfectionists fear judgment and criticism, magnified when disclosing a personal and sensitive matter like a herpes diagnosis. The anxiety about being perceived as flawed or imperfect may lead to avoidance of the dating game. The fear that our condition makes us unlovable and broken becomes a significant barrier.

Acknowledging that someone will love us and that there is unconditional love is easier said than done. In the midst of it, we grapple with self-stigmatizing beliefs, tying our self-worth to external validation and acceptance. If you resonate with feeling imperfect, know that you are not alone. Many in our Secret Society understand and are here to offer support.

The first step involves reframing the herpes diagnosis. Rather than viewing it as something that happened to us, see it as an opportunity for growth. Embrace the uniqueness it brings and challenge the belief that flaws make us unworthy of love, success, or happiness. Recognize the gift of setting boundaries and prioritizing oneself in relationships.

This process is a journey with ups and downs, an exploration of self and a chance to heal old wounds. The aim is not to add more anxiety but to encourage embracing perfectionism as a strength that has brought us this far. Work with this trait and find love for your imperfections. From a Christian perspective, consider the herpes diagnosis as a gift to learn more about oneself, opening up to more love and abundance in life.