Keep what you say as simple and direct as possible. Tell the person why you want him or her to know. Let him or her know that you are sorting out issues related to your HIV status and his or her support is important to you.

How do I tell my girlfriend I have HIV?

Be straightforward and specific. Tell the person that you have HIV instead of saying that you have a chronic disease or virus, Lightfoot says. Then spell out what you want from the person, such as, “I need someone that I can talk to and loves me no matter what, and I hope that person is you.