Being Anti-Marriage, Male Friendships & Telling Partners About STIs

This week in the Dear Clementine inbox: Being anti-marriage, I really detest everything a wedding symbolizes, and as a socially-anxious introvert I don’t enjoy them at all. Or maybe I’m just bitter and jealous because as a lifelong single woman I will never get the chance to be celebrated like a bride. I feel so conflicted when invited to a wedding - on one hand resenting having to spend money and time participating in something I dislike so much but on the other, feeling I should suck it up because it is important to people I care about. Thoughts? In the last twelve months I’ve had two male friends totally cease contact with me after commencing new ‘serious’ relationships. I’ve been friends with both for nearly 30 years. How do I navigate my emotions through this?  I contracted herpes when I was 19 and in an emotionally abusive relationship where he intentionally gave me herpes as a way of manipulating/ branding me… it has affected my ability to see my value as a sexual partner, 7 years on and I’m still just not quite sure how to navigate that conversation and shame when I’m trying to meet new partners. CREDITSExecutive Producer: Edwina StottAudio Production: Adrian WaltonManaging Producer: Elle Beattie For more great Nova Podcasts head to novapodcasts.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.