Starting a relationship?

I interviewed a therapist who treats HS patients and she recommended patients take something from their life that isn't as vulnerable as talking about HS to test the waters and see how loved ones or family members will react. It can help to gauge who can hold space for you and who cannot.

What are your main concerns? Are you worried they won't feel the same way about you or that their opinion of you will change? Are you worried how it will affect your intimacy? I have always found that the old saying rings true- "Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Honesty is always the best policy, because they're going to have to find out eventually, and you don't want to be with someone who doesn't want to be with all of you <3 I'm sorry you have to go through this, but I promise you aren't alone!

It's so much easier said than done, but I would just be fully honest with them about it. This is a disease that isn't your fault and you can't control it. The right person will understand and care.

There's a quote from the 1940s that's like, "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."

Those that matter will understand about your HS and the people that don't understand don't matter!

I'm so sorry you have to go through HS and I hope you're feeling okay!