Relationships are complicated enough, but having HIV adds another level of complexity. Start by knowing the facts about HIV transmission and risks.

Once you are clear about how HIV is transmitted, you are ready to have the “conversation.” Although sooner is better than later, you may need a few dates to see if the relationship is going anywhere. Plus, you need a certain amount of trust to lessen the chance that your HIV status will end up on social media.

As horrible as that sounds, if you delay your HIV disclosure, your potential partner may feel betrayed. If your date really likes you, and you give him or her time to digest the facts, then all you can do is hope for the best.

It’s especially hard if you are rejected because of this, since it is unfair. But encountering rejection is the nature of relationships, and if this is a deal breaker, better to find out sooner than later.

Whatever happens, be sure to also know the facts about HIV prevention.