Think of this: if your friend had melanoma cancer, how would you approach it? HIV is emotionally laden but is simply a terminal illness. If your friend chooses to not tell people, it is his prerogative. Personally, I would respect that and leave the subject alone unless he wanted me to know about it. Prayer is your best friend. |
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---jody on 6/13/08 |
Hi, I don't know if you can see my email address, if so, you can email me. My quick advice is that you want to tidy up your own emotions a bit before approaching him. I just got to know that two of my friends who are hiv positive. |
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---jo on 6/13/08 |
First of all pray for your friend and plead the blood of Jesus over their life. Because by his stripes we are healed and your friend shall live and not die. Jesus is a healer my friend and has more knowledge than any doctor. I declare it right now in the name of Jesus. |
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---Senya on 5/28/08 |
May I ask where you are from? you should just simply appraoch him and tell him that someone told you that he was HIV positive , and that , while you will still be his friend , or whatever , you wanted to make sure wether it was true or not because you don't like second hand news as it can sometimes be gossip. Then be there for him and maybe ask him if he wants to talk about it. |
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---BeckyH on 5/28/08 |
pkay:
The person who told you was likely breaking a confidence to tell you. So how can he, in turn, hold you to a similiar confidence? To whom do you owe a greater allegiance? To your friend, or to someone who has already broken a confidence to tell you this?
Also, this is probably also causing you a great amount of agitation and inner turmoil. This person had no right to thrust that on you. (I know, I have been in this kind of situation before on several occasions).
[Formerly Mark] |
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---StrongAxe on 9/6/07 |
If he is one of your closest friends, ask him. Tell him what you heard and ask if it is true. If it is, offer him your friendship and support and continue to be his friend. |
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---Annie on 9/6/07 |
As a co-founder of the HIV Project in Jackson, Miss., someone should have kept this secret a secret, that is the person carrying HIV's job if and when he wants to. You can approach him and tell him what you heard and offer your support and love or keep quiet about it, in time he will tell you. I lost over 200 friends to AIDS never treated them any differently except sometimes to be a "Nurse Ratchet". Wonderful, rewarding experience for me. Love this friend will all your heart. |
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---Nellah on 11/13/05 |
The "somebody" had no right to tell you this "secret" You should challenge them and ask by what right they told you this thing.
As to you friend, just go on as usual, being a friend. If he or she wishes to tell you, they will do so.
Your friend may know that these rumours are being put about. "Somebody" is bound to have told others as well, and your friend would surely have heard about it.
Just go on being a friend, whatever happens |
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---alan8869_of_UK on 9/29/05 |
I would approach my friend and share my love and concern for him. I would tell him what I heard and just let him know that I love him regardless. If he insists on learning the source of your information, tell him. The fault will lie with the person who broke your friend's confidence, not you. |
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---Madison on 9/29/05 |
Ask "the somebody" why they informed you about such a controversial subject. Nobody will drop a bomb in my lap like that, and then tell me not to say anything to the friend who i talk to every day about it. That's rude indescretion on the person who disclosed it to you in the first place, and then to try to control your tongue and say don't repeat it: you are never sworn to keep anything from a friend, else you're not a real friend. i'd confront "the somebody" for their error. |
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---Eloy on 9/29/05 |
I am from Africa.My worry is on how he will react.He will most definately want to know who told me about his alleged status.The person who told me swore me to secrecy.Its really complicated. |
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---pkay on 9/29/05 |
Dont, You answered your own question. HIV is a controversial subject. If this person wants to share, be honest, non judgemental, and follow their clues, be concerned, and offer prayer, showing yourself to a friend. Why? Because it's a rumor, that could cause a great deal of fallout if it's not true. If you are prepared to face uncertain consequences, take a chance, if you want to keep a friendship, let that person open up to you if there is reason to do so.
Stay prayerful,
shara |
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---Shara7667 on 9/29/05 |
I don't understand why you have to approach the topic at all and the reason you are so concerned baffles me. Is he a friend or not? If so, love him. A lot of things are controversial, but love for a friend is never controversial. |
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---Sara on 9/29/05 |
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