AIDS and HIV Dating Tips:

Dating is one of those great life experiences that we all go through. If you have been tested positive for HIV, there are probably some things on your mind. Here are a few good AIDS and HIV dating tips to learn ways to do it right - and to avoid the ways of doing it wrong. These helpful dating tips are true for online dating as well.

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1. Be honest
This is the best dating tip of all. If you are looking for casual encounters or a longer term relationship, you will want to be honest with the other person. And with a situation like this, the sooner you can bring up the subject, the better. Obviously, you don't want this to be part of your introduction to the other person, but as soon as this comes out, you will be able to move along to the fun part of the dating process.

2. Look for others with HIV
If you can find others with HIV to date, this will solve a lot of your problems. The other person will know what you are dealing with and will be able to be honest with you as well. Online dating can be particularly useful here, as there are dating services that specialize in matching up singles with HIV and AIDS.

3. Know yourself
One of the best top dating tips is to spend some time getting to know yourself better. Think of how you would like others to see you. If you know that you are a fun and optimistic person, keep reminding yourself of that, so it shows through to others. You are probably looking for the same in people you want to date.

4. Have an idea of what you are looking for
When you decide to date, spend some time making sure you know what you are looking for. Is it a casual encounter? A long term commitment? Or maybe even marriage. Be honest with yourself and know what will make you happy. At the same time, be flexible. The dating world is unpredictable, but that can be part of the fun. Enjoy what comes your way.

5. Feel good about yourself
Dating can be a tough process. You need to be prepared by feeling good about yourself. If there are things you would like to change, now is the time. Join the gym, learn a new language, start eating better - anything that will make you feel good about yourself. This will give you the confidence to show yourself off, and to be able to deal with any rejection that comes along.

6. Be prepared to spend
To have a successful dating experience, you will need to spend time, money, and effort. Nothing is free in the dating world. It will take some time. Most people who date want something to happen immediately, but we have all found out that doesn't happen. You have to spend money to find the right person and spend money to make yourself ready, so don't let the expense get you down. And most importantly, be ready to work hard to get what you want.

7. Don't go it alone
While you are the one doing the dating, there are ways to have support to help you along the way. Get your friends involved; let them know what you are up to. If they are real friends they will support you and will provide you an opportunity to talk. Surround yourself with people you respect and listen to what they have to say. This is particularly important if you are inexperienced in the dating world.

8. Follow your heart
When you are dating, listen to your mind, but follow your heart. Keep in tune with what your intuition is telling you about the other person. Is it love at first sight? Stranger things have happened.

9. Be creative
Do something unexpected. Be impulsive and see what happens. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from the experience. If the other person is the right one, they will appreciate your creativity. And if they aren't, you just might have fun anyway.

10. Be a good communicator
Communication is the name of the game here. Visual, verbal, and subtle communication is what it takes. Be consistent and honest with the other person. You will always find people that are playing games, but you are smart enough to see through that sooner or later. Ask questions and be a good listener. Use all types of communication: the phone, a written note, an email - whatever comes to mind. All of this will show your interest in the other person.

11. Use common sense
Dating isn't rocket science. We all have common sense, so use it. If it makes sense to you to do something, then you are probably on the right track. And always keep your eyes out for other good dating tips; they come from all kinds of sources.

12. Be safe
Be safe, in all senses of the word. You probably know how HIV can be communicated to others, so take precautions. If you need more information, there is plenty of information on the Internet that can be accessed in private. Make sure you know as possible before venturing out in the dating world.

13. Leave when you need to
No list of best dating tips would be complete without reminding you to know when it is time to leave. Don't be afraid that you are losing your only chance to be with someone. There are going to be others. Don't settle for something that isn't right for you. You deserve better than that. Breaking up is never fun, but we all know that we recover. And if you aren't the one initiating the breakup, remember that this is part of the experience as well. Rejection is tough, but keep in mind of what might be next - it could be even better!

14. Have fun
The most important thing to remember is to have fun! Searching for the right person can be a fantastic experience, filled with anxiety and emotion and even drama. But if you approach it with a positive attitude and think of the search as being as much fun as the catch, you will have a better time. Flirt when you want to and enjoy it. Make it easy for yourself by setting your mind to the fact that this is something fun.

If you have other AIDS dating tips, we always want to know. Send us your best dating tips.