Subscribe to this blog's feedI did it! For some strange reason, I decided to post a singles ad on Craig's List. Why I picked this medium I can't even explain.
I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised by the responses. Yes, I did get responses, quite a few of them actually. Incredibly nice, caring and sweet responses. So far no psycho's but there's still time.
My biggest fear is to send them my picture. What if I know them??? What if they are some kind of whacko denialist who posts my picture on some website???
Now the hard part. Responding to the emails I received. Baby steps…..
Here is my ad:
Well, this sure isn't easy to do, but here it goes.I am a 43 year old single, attractive woman who was diagnosed as being HIV positive in February of 2006. No, I am not a prostitute, nor an IV drug user. I contracted it from my boyfriend of 2 years. I am healthy and asymptomatic. (that means I have no symptoms just in case you didn't understand) I will live a long and healthy life, sans this virus.
I am ready to rejoin the dating world and I am hoping that the stigma associated with this virus has lost its momentum.
I am smart, funny, active and quite a "catch" :) 5'7", 140lbs, dark hair, brown eyes, and sporting a very nice tan thanks to the beautiful weather we have been enjoying lately.
I'm interested in friends first, I know that whoever responds to this ad will need some education on this virus and I have no problem with that. The more you know, the more you'll understand that you can't get it from kissing, hugging, toilet seats or sharing a drink.
You be smart, funny and passionate. Passionate about love, life, family and friends. Enjoys going to the beach, hanging out in Balboa Park on a Sunday, Charger games and cool dive bars. I prefer men between the ages of 36 and 45.
Let's see what happens!
Bravo Lisa! :)
I say bravo. It's hard to take that leap and I give you kudos. Craigslist can be a pioneer's list if you ask me. But you I follow you're blog and it's given me such courage to go back into dating. You're truly an inspiration.
Good for you! I've been following your story and you are a very good writer. You are also funny. (I mean that in the best way). I have a book I would like to recommend to you. It's called Love, Medicine and Miracles. The author's name is Bernie S. Siegel, M.D. It is one of the best books I have ever read and I think that you would enjoy it. Keep on blogging and thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Be sure to cover your stump when you hump.
There are other STD's you can catch besides the "big one". So sad but SOOO true. If only more stupid promiscuous women were aware of this. Sad AND true.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PUT YOUR PICS UP UNTILL YOU KIND OF HAVE AN IDEA OF WHO YOU ARE TALKING TO! YOUR BEAUTIFUL GOD BLESS
Congratulations on this small step, a giant leap for mankind!
Wishing you plenty of wonderful dates.
http://i-quit-hiv.blogspot.com/
HI,
I don't know how to let you know that I feel a heavy Heart for those with HIV. God has Laid upon my heart that there is something that will "Help" alot. Calcium in Pill form first thing in the morning 8 hrs after the last meal and 1 hr prior to the next with 1 cup of water Will Help Alot! I'm not a medical Professional buy I do have a Good connection with God as we All do! THX Craig W.
P:S: I know how it may sound but sometimes the simplest of things "Help" alot AKA:Moldy Bread
That's great. I have begin the whole dating process too. Do you ever find that you seem just a bit too needy? I talked to this guy online who had allot of the qualities I want in a guy , it was nice I THOUGHT we had a vibe. Well after a couple of days of talking he broke a chat date and I haven't heard from him since. Well that sent me into a spiral, I have been just kinda down since. My thoughts had been "maybe there's hope" but when he just disappeared I began to think well maybe that's my life. Maybe I'm supposed to die alone I know it sounds sad I don't write for the drama I'm being honest. Do you find that you want to couple with that one that's just right for you like NOW and you don't want to wste another milisecond with games and drama??
I congragulate you for putting yourself out there thats really brave and it takes time but I wanted to comment on what you said when you stated that you had HIV but that you are not an IV user or a prostitute, I think that you were a little bias because people don't JUST contract HIV from that there are so many other parts and people shouldnt stereotype people with HIV and say I have HIV but I'm not a prostitute or a crackhead people with HIV don't always associate with that. Everyone contracts it differently and theres nothing wrong with contracting it through IV needles the most important part is protecting yourself and seeking better health for yourself
Lisa, Off and on I have been reading what you post, and from what I can tell, any man would be damn lucky to meet you and would be so stupid if he didnt fall for your witt, and charm. I know I would . !!! Michael
This is a nice way of going about it...lol..
Any luck??
Wish you all the best
Well done and keep us up-to-date on your dating efforts.
Congratulations on plucking up the courage to put your ad up and best of luck with it. I did that recently - on hiv and mainstream dating sites - and recorded my lack of progress on my blog...
Like you I shared the worry about having to show my face or even disclose my real first name (it is unusual here so gives away a lot about who I might be and that's scary).
Anyway I found very little success with small ads but will need to update my blog as I recently met a very charming boy who puts butterflies in my stomach. He was discomfited when I told him my status but - and that is still recent - not put off. So, I am waiting and waiting and hoping but just meeting a nice soul with so few of the usual prejudices in itself is a blessing in my life.
I guess I wanted to brag a bit but more importantly inspire you to believe that it is possible and wish you plenty of success.
Lots of love.
Anon.