Tips for Telling Your Online Partner about a Health Condition
February 20th, 2010
One of the most popular types of relationships these days are those that are formed through online relationships or online acquaintances. Online dating services and social networking sites have played a big role in promoting relationships between online partners. In some cases, however, this can cause some uneasiness and tension, especially when it comes to sharing your life with your online partner. Perhaps the most difficult thing about online dating is sharing with your partner that you have a health condition that may affect your significant other’s perception of you. If you are suffering from a health condition and you want to tell your online partner about it, then read on for some helpful advice.
Health conditions that affect relationships
There are numerous types of health conditions that can be potentially harmful or have a negative effect on your relationships with others, especially in online relationships wherein there always seems to be a looming uncertainty about who the other person is and what he or she is actually like in real life. Here are some health conditions that may potentially have a negative affect on a relationship if both partners are not ready to face the condition as a couple, and help each other cope with the difficulties that the health condition may bring:
* Depression – Depression is extremely difficult to deal with as an individual, but when a person affected by depression is in a relationship, his or her partner also needs to deal with the extreme mood changes.
* Sexually transmitted diseases – Sexually transmitted diseases can be a problem for partners because it may affect the sexual aspect of the relationship, especially if it is a disease like HIV or AIDS, which are yet to have a cure.
* Cancer – Cancer is a huge drain on couples in numerous ways. Not only do both individuals have to deal with the many tremendous changes to day-to-day life, but financial, emotional, and physical problems are also concerns when it comes to dealing with cancer as a couple.
Tips for telling your online partner about your condition
- Make sure to give your partner notice before telling him or her about your health condition, so that he or she can be prepared for the news that you have to share.
- When you finally do speak with your partner about your health condition, make it a point to say that you are ready and willing to take on the challenge of dealing with your condition as a couple. This may help inspire courage and security in your partner.
- Finally, never lie about your health condition by downplaying it or exaggerating it. Instead, try to be open and truthful, because a relationship built on honesty and trust is likely to be stronger, healthier, and more rewarding for both persons involved.
Related questions:
1. What are some health conditions that may have a negative effect on a relationship?
2. How can I go about telling my partner about a rather major health condition that I have?
3. Is it ok to downplay or exaggerate my health condition to get my partner to be more supportive of me?
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