“When I got the herpes diagnostic, I felt like my body was giving up on me. The worst part was that I felt like I could not love it anymore. I felt like my personality was all I had left. I thought my body would not be attractive to anyone who would learn about my diagnostic. So, I focus on my academic performances. I obsessed about my grades and wanted to be a perfect student. A year pass before I got intimate with anyone. When it finally happened, I told my partner and he was so relaxed about it that I gain confidence back. I let myself feel beautiful. The virus became just a part of me. Like my brown hair or my long legs. What is inside matter the most, but it sure feel good when you feel beautiful inside and out. Now, I learned to love and accept herpes. I see it as one of my strength. It makes my body special and powerful.“