Q: As with any STD, abstaining from sexual activity is the most effective way to prevent genital herpes. Barring that, limiting your number of sexual partners reduces the likelihood of transmission. You can consider a reduced risk of contracting an STD as one benefit of engaging in long-term, monogamous sexual relationships. Of course, honesty within the monogamous relationship, and taking protective measures as needed, are important in preventing the transmission of herpes as well. Not surprisingly, most people are not eager to discuss herpes with prospective or new sexual partners. Getting past the stigmas and fears, however, and engaging in an honest discussion about STDs, is essential to protecting against transmission either to or from you. If you know you have herpes, consider it your responsibility to inform your partners, even if this means engaging in an awkward conversation. Likewise, take it upon yourself to ask your partners if they have or may have herpes. If you are concerned that you may have herpes, talk to your doctor about taking a simple blood test that can confirm or refute your suspicion. Genital herpes can spread even when symptoms are not present, so it is best to err on the side of caution. If it is even remotely possible that you or your partner has herpes, assume it to be so and take protective measures. In fact, the protective measures recommended for preventing herpes transmission are good habits under all circumstances. Herpes is most likely to be transmitted when an infected person is symptomatic with the tell-tale blisters. It is therefore imperative to avoid sexual activity during these flare-ups of the infection. The same principle holds true for avoiding kissing and sharing of utensils, drinkware, etc., during breakouts of oral herpes. For more information specific to dealing with oral herpes, click over to How to Live with Herpes. During breakouts in particular, any skin-to-skin contact in the "risk area" carries an increased risk of transmission, as any miniscule crack or opening in the skin is enough of an open door for the virus to enter. For genital herpes, the risk area corresponds to the area of the body covered by a pair of boxer shorts. As with any STD, using a condom properly every time is essential to reducing the likelihood of transmitting herpes during sexual activity. Only condoms made of latex or polyurethane, and properly employed, are effective at preventing transmission of herpes or other STDs. If you or your partner has or may have herpes, you should use a condom every time, regardless of whether one of you is symptomatic at the time. Remember, herpes can still be transmitted even without symptoms. From opening the package to disposing of the used condom, proper technique and care to ensure proper coverage and avoid breakage or leakage is the key to preventing transmission. Consult How to Use a Condom for detailed instructions. To prevent the spread of herpes during oral sex, males should wear condoms and females should employ "dental dams," which are essentially rectangular sheets of latex. These can be purchased as-is, or made by cutting open a male condom or even a latex glove. Never attempt to reuse a condom, obviously, but also take care to clean and protect any sex toys, such as vibrators, you use or share. Clean items carefully and thoroughly with soap and warm water after every use, and especially before sharing them. Cover items with condoms or similar forms of protection. Even though there is no cure for herpes, there are treatments available that can moderate or shorten breakouts, when transmission is more likely. Several antiviral medications are available to combat genital herpes. Talk to your doctor about which is right for you and when to take it. You may be advised to take the medication consistently, or only during breakouts. Remember, however, that none of these medications can cure herpes. For more information on common herpes treatments, see How to Treat Herpes. A 2004 study in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that, in cases where one partner had genital herpes, the transmission rate was reduced from 4% to 0.4% with the combination of: 1) abstaining from sex when symptomatic; 2) using a condom every time; and 3) taking the antiviral Valtrex daily. Therefore, with proper precautions taken, the transmission of genital herpes from an infected partner to a non-infected one can most often be prevented. The keys, as always when dealing with herpes, are honesty, abstinence during symptoms, and proper protection.
A: Be selective. Be honest. Steer clear during breakouts. Use protection every time. Clean objects used during sex thoroughly. Combat the symptoms.

Q: Shy guys aren't just extroverted people waiting to be asked questions. While some shy guys may be perfectly happy to discuss their opinions and attitudes with you, it's more likely that they'll do so if they don't feel like you're wrestling it from them. Get to know him by talking about other things. Let personal things happen on their own time. Wait until he gets comfortable to ask more personal questions. When he starts feeling comfortable, start asking more personal questions as you're following up. "How was the rest of your weekend?" Just because a guy may be shy doesn't mean he's a fragile shell of a person, and it would be condescending to change your opinions or hold things back just because a guy may be on the quiet side. Speak your mind and share your opinions in a friendly way, to treat your new friend with respect and kindness. You can have disagreements but still be friendly by couching things in softer language. Instead of saying something like, "That's stupid," if a guy says Jeter's the best shortstop of all time, say something like, "I can see that. I just can't stand his personality." Many people assume that all quiet people are automatically shy, which isn't necessarily the case. Likewise, shy people aren't either conceited or introverted or anything in particular. If you want to know something about a guy, ask. Don't assume you know. First off, there's no answer to this question. Often, people will ask this question to fill an awkward silence, but it doesn't help and it doesn't give you anything to talk about. Saying something like, "You're so shy!" to a guy who is feeling uncomfortable will only make his discomfort and his silence more strong. Talk about something else. Shyness isn't ever a sign of anything other than shyness. If a guy feels awkward around you, it might be for a variety of reasons, and you shouldn't assume interest either way.
A:
Don't make him talk about himself. Don't be afraid to disagree. Don't assume things about him. Don't ask him why he's shy. Don't assume he likes you, or doesn't like you.