- Finding out you have an STI is really hard, and it’s completely okay for you to cope in whatever way you need—that includes not telling anyone until you’re completely ready to or not at all.
- If your friends keep asking because they want to help, let them know you appreciate their help, but you’re not ready to open up about it at the moment.
- Ask to speak in a more private place, or set up a time to talk if you want to prepare what you need to say. Establishing these boundaries will help your friends learn to talk about it on your own terms.
- Note that you aren’t obligated to tell anyone anything—if you need time to process and get treatment, that’s perfectly okay. Tell them when you’re ready.