HIV and '"proper etiquete?

I am Hiv positive 7 yrs now.I am open aboutit.I don't go around advertising but I'm not going to hide it like a dirty little secret like my faMILY THINKS i SHOULD.wHAT ADVIVE DO YOU ALL HAVE?O

Your approach seems to me to be the most appropriate, actually.

There isn't an etiquette as you know and since most of us are ignorant of the actual risks of transfer on the one hand, and have a heightened alertness brought on by the hysteria and hype from rumour and media, on the other.... it is not sensible to run around with an "HIV +" tattoo on your forehead. Neither is it sensible that you should tethered up and unable to talk freely about yourself if you choose to. But like all prejudices, ignorance is your enemy... so inform people of the facts ~ those who would care enough to listen and learn.

Nobody ever gets less wise by learning something new.

Why should you hide it unless you want too? Lots of people are LIVING with HIV and AIDS now. It is not the death sentance it once was. I am sorry your family isn't more supportive. I think ultimately you have to do what is right for YOU. Hopefully your family will become better informed. You can't control anyone but yourself. Try to surround yourself with supportive friends and keep on keeping on! :-)

Dear Billy I am writing a paper for College, an it is on the subject of HIV/AIDS in childern living with at an how it affects there lives. Are you a child how old was you when you were diagonsed ? Will you talk tome even if your not a child Im sure you have contact with alot more people then I do PLZ contact me silver_forsaken_rose@yahoo.com

I don't think you should hide it, but only share it with those you feel you trust, and that can support you.
Many people are ignorant of HIV, and unlike other illnesses/diseases point the finger at a person -immediately judgeing their behaviour.
Also there are now many support groups, so you can share your feelings/experiences with other positive people, in a safe and non-judgemental environment.

I would treat it the same way you would. It's important to tell sexaul partner(s) if you are positive so both of you can take the proper steps to protect each other but still have a blast. My biggest advice to people is to get tested and always know your status- people shouldn't be scared to find out since it is their life. What if someone is positive and doesn't know it for 10 years. Then they get sick and die a month later. All because they didn't know their status and didn't get a simple test done. Also, I think it's important people don't say "You infected me with AIDS." That really bugs me, since that is not what you get infected with. Anyways, thanks for sharing! First hand experiences are the best. I was with some who was positive for over 2 years. Was one hell of a "trip" but something I will always remember. Best wishes =0)

Hey, honey, that's normal...
i'm a HIV+ two, but im only 3 yrs, but i think it's quite normal for people to know it, as i never hide it, and i think so do many of my friends on positivesingles.com.
so, i guess i advise is LET IT BE...