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This is a true
story of a 28 years old HIV+ man.
He decided to share his story after he learned
about the INTHANOU
confidential HIV/AIDS,
STI hotline service, which was advertised in the
booklet ''Taste of
Life''. He hopes his story will
help others to avoid the problems he has faced. |
He told us:
My parents are high ranking people in
the province. Therefore, if I compare myself to others guys, it
seems that I have a better life than them. I am clever, handsome and
have no material shortages. When I was a student at the provincial
high school, I met a girl who studied in the same school, two grades
below me. We developed a good relationship and became affectionate.
We swore that even if we encountered obstacles we would love each
other forever. However we respected our Khmer traditions and never
became intimate. When I passed my high school exams, I came to Phnom
Penh to continue my studies. Although my girlfriend and I were apart
we still kept in regular contact by phone. Our love story seemed to
progress smoothly. I always visited her during school vacations. Her
parents accepted me and my parents also didn’t oppose our
relationship.
Even though my parents are rich, they are generous and also liberal.
They allow their children to make their own decisions in life. I
promised my girlfriend that I would marry her the following year.
However in the third year, everything changed and our relationship
started to break down. Her parents wanted her to marry with a guy
from the USA, who was recommended to them by their relatives.
My girlfriend started feeling uncertain, she often avoided going out
with me saying she was busy. Later on, she told me that a fortune
teller had said that in the future we would not be a happily married
couple. She advised me to forget her. I was broken hearted and
unable to study. I became a different person. My friends tried to
console me, and I began to go out every night to Karaoke clubs or to
drink. Sometimes when I was drunk, I had sex
with many different partners and used condoms irregularly.
One day by chance, I met a charming girl at the market. She was a
dress seller with an intelligent and beautiful face. We established
a close relationship, and she restored my hope. She promised she
would marry me when I graduated. At that time, I realized that love
had a huge influence on my feelings. I was strongly committed to
pass my exams and show my girlfriend the certificate. Finally, I
passed the exams. This was good news and made us both very happy. I
reminded her that I wanted to get married, she accepted and
suggested that we both make a HIV test. I agreed to this but was
worried about my past behavior. I went alone to make the test. The
results showed that I was HIV positive. Even though I received
counseling, I was devastated and didn’t know what to do. I didn't
let anyone know about the blood test result, especially my parents
or my sweetheart. I decided to run away and I changed my contact
number and address. Although I knew my decision was unreasonable I
didn't want my beloved girlfriend to live with AIDS. She must have
been heartbroken. I hoped in time she would forget me. Now two years
later it seems as if I can cope with what has happened. My job has
helped me to forget. Sometimes I forget that I'm HIV positive.
However my loves for my girlfriend will stay in my mind forever. I
always wish that she will meet a good man who will love and care for
her forever.
As well as attentively listening to this young man's story INTHANOU
counselors also provided him with information on how to take care of
his health, and the available services for health care and ARV
treatment. Therefore he keeps in contact with us, and INTHANOU
staff
provides ongoing support and counseling when he needs help or feel
depressed.
If you want to post your own story on the INTHANOU
’s web site, in
order to share or give advice to others, please call 012 999 008,
012 999 009, 092 914 111 or email to info@INTHANOU
.org.
This case wants to advise that do not let lovesick disappointment spoil your future.
Edited by:
Mrs Mary Dunbar
Senior Strategic Behavioral Communication Officer
PATH Cambodia
