Being tested will give him a natural way to bring up that he caught herpes—much better than trying to engineer the subject into conversation. It also allows him to talk about it in a mature way. The clinic should be able to advise him on the best way to tackle it in the future and minimize the risk of passing it on to you.

Then comes the big question: Do you like him enough—and think the relationship is strong enough—to love him despite the virus and his potential to pass it on? If he tackles the problem responsibly, herpes is a controllable condition and outbreaks can be managed through changes in his lifestyle, diet and specific treatments.

At the end of the day he might have been unlucky, but he didn’t respect his health. Should you really be willing to risk yours? If he deals with the situation like a man, then it could be the start of a beautiful relationship. If he deals with it like a boy, he wasn’t the guy for you in the first place.

Chris Place, resides in Queens Park, London and works in advertising. He can often be found sampling fine wines and beer in any of London's esteemed watering holes. Or asleep. He has a loving relationship with Newcastle United Football Club, but is open to offers of upgrading.