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A MOMENT FOR YOU

Is dating the next step for you?

Dating with herpes can bring up questions about confidence, sharing your status and finding someone who fits your life. Take a moment to consider what feels right for you today.

10 questions · About 3 minutes · No sign-up

Reflect on your pace, boundaries and connection, with practical prompts for life in Canada. There is no score to pass: having HSV does not decide your worth or whether you can have a relationship.

Your answers stay in this page’s memory. They are not submitted or saved, and disappear when you reload or leave.

What informed these questions?

Inspired by public Reddit conversations about disclosure, rejection and dating on PositiveSingles. These are individual experiences, not verified health advice, a representative Canadian survey or a clinically validated test. The questions and suggestions are our own editorial work.

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GLOBAL SUCCESS STORIES

I still remember the nervous tap of my fingers on the coffee table at that corner café. My blind date, had just arrived – exactly as described in her profile: curly auburn hair and a laugh like wind chimes. Our conversation flowed effortlessly over cappuccinos, from our shared love of indie films to her volunteering at animal shelters.

When she mentioned rescuing a kitten last week, I impulsively shared my own cat-wrangling disaster. We howled with laughter, breaking the ice completely. As the sun dipped below the rooftops, she leaned forward: "You know, I was dreading this. But you're... different."…

We matched on the app without expectations, just two people open to conversation. What surprised us was how quickly it felt different. Our messages turned into long talks about life, love, and healing, and there was an ease between us that felt rare. It was the kind of connection that didn't demand attention…it earned it.

When we met for dinner, everything clicked. Candlelight, quiet laughter, unhurried conversation …it felt less like a first date and more like a continuation of something already unfolding. We stayed longer than planned, savoring the moment, both aware that something meaningful was beginning…

You came into my life unexpectedly, yet at exactly the right time. Your heart, your strength, your kindness, and the way you see the world have touched me in ways I struggle to put into words. With you, I feel seen, understood, and inspired to be a better man.

Meeting you reminded me that real connections still exist the kind that go beyond screens and words, straight to the heart. You are not just someone I met online; you are someone I am grateful for, someone I admire, and someone I choose, every day…

We connected on the chats. Luckily he was witty, funny, handsome and had a great vibe while messaging back and forth. Got busy so I hadn't chatted with him in a few weeks then we messaged again and planned to meet at a fair. When that plan fell through we ended up meeting at a festival the day after.

Our first time meeting was at a French festival in a nearby city. Met and ran into one of my friends who does magic and balloon animals. It was cool that we got to experience that. We really hit it off after meeting that night and have been dating since. I'm glad I came to this site…

It started off decently on here, with decent conversations talking to people but nobody really catching my eye, until I met my fiancée. I stumbled across her profile and instantly, her face triggered memories that I thought were lost in my mind. I couldn't get ahead of myself but I went to message her.

So her page had this questionnaire that she devised to weed people out but I instinctively gave the right answers and caught her interest. Soon we were texting and calling all day everyday, confirming that not only had we been looking for each other, but we had seen each other in dreams for years…

I still remember the nervous tap of my fingers on the coffee table at that corner café. My blind date, had just arrived – exactly as described in her profile: curly auburn hair and a laugh like wind chimes. Our conversation flowed effortlessly over cappuccinos, from our shared love of indie films to her volunteering at animal shelters.

When she mentioned rescuing a kitten last week, I impulsively shared my own cat-wrangling disaster. We howled with laughter, breaking the ice completely. As the sun dipped below the rooftops, she leaned forward: "You know, I was dreading this. But you're... different."…

We matched on the app without expectations, just two people open to conversation. What surprised us was how quickly it felt different. Our messages turned into long talks about life, love, and healing, and there was an ease between us that felt rare. It was the kind of connection that didn't demand attention…it earned it.

When we met for dinner, everything clicked. Candlelight, quiet laughter, unhurried conversation …it felt less like a first date and more like a continuation of something already unfolding. We stayed longer than planned, savoring the moment, both aware that something meaningful was beginning…

GLOBAL INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

I have only been living with this for about 2 months. I am learning to take it day by day. I refuse to let it define me. Or limit me. I will not be reckless, but I will be adventurous. I will always disclose my status to potential partners – it has separated the sincere from the strictly sexual already. I know that I will still find real love, the love I deserve.

I am not just an STD. I am funny. I am strong. I am beautiful. I am sassy. I am worth getting to know. I am worth taking a chance on...for everything. The right man may or may not have Herpes, but the right man...

KEEP YOUR CONNECTIONS CLOSE WITH THE PS APP

HERPES DATING IN CANADA, AT YOUR PACE

Living with herpes does not change your wish for affection, companionship or a meaningful relationship. PositiveSingles offers a community centred on dating, friendship and shared experiences for people living with herpes, HPV, HIV and other STIs. This Canadian starting point helps you think about the connection you want and where it could fit into your life.

A CONNECTION THAT FITS YOUR PART OF CANADA

Looking in Toronto or elsewhere in Ontario? Be specific about your city and whether travelling across the Greater Toronto Area works for you. In Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, or Calgary and Edmonton, think about the journey you would be happy to make regularly. A shared province does not always mean someone is close enough for a spontaneous coffee.

Whether you call Winnipeg, Halifax, St. John's, a smaller community or northern Canada home, decide how local you want your search to be. You might prefer someone nearby, be open to another city or want to build a friendship online first. Mention your preferred distance in kilometres and talk about travel expectations early.

MAKE ROOM FOR LANGUAGE, COMFORT AND REAL LIFE

In Montréal, Québec City, Ottawa–Gatineau or anywhere else in Canada, let people know whether you prefer chatting in English, French or another language. Shared language can make it easier to express your personality and talk about sensitive subjects. Add the interests, everyday routines and relationship hopes that make your profile feel like you.

When you feel ready to meet, choose a simple plan that suits both of you. Leave room for travel time, changing weather and an indoor alternative during the colder months. A first meeting can be a short conversation, with no pressure to decide what comes next.

MORE THAN YOUR HSV STATUS

You may be newly diagnosed, returning to dating or looking for friends who understand life with HSV-1 or HSV-2. Take time to consider your boundaries and what you are comfortable sharing. Read the privacy guidance, explore community stories and approach each new conversation with respect for the other person's choices as well as your own.

Continue to PositiveSingles to register, sign in or search for members. Set Canada and your preferred province or territory on the official site to begin exploring.