Dear Pastor

How are you? I am having a problem which is very disturbing, which I cannot bear to keep to myself any longer. I am 19 years old and I got involved with this man who is 30 years old. Well, I am a strong believer in the saying "age ain't nothing but a number." Anyway, that is not the point, he is very sweet and attractive but he is not the same person when we are together. He is a different person when he is with his friend and when he is in public.

We have been together for about three years on and off, then after about two and a half months, we had sexual intercourse. Well, now I am hearing it everywhere I go that he has AIDS. I am aware that condoms are not 100% safe; therefore, I am concerned about my health. But I do not want to take an HIV/AIDS test. It is likely to be true that he has AIDS due to his past lifestyle. He sleeps around with "careless" women.

Can you please tell me what to do? Thank you. I am crying for help!

J. M., St. Catherine, Jamaica

Dear J. M.,

I wish to encourage you to set your mind at ease by taking the HIV/AIDS test. You do not need to be afraid. I gather that this guy used a condom when he had sex with you, but you are still afraid. Take the test, my dear.

I also want to encourage you to talk to this young man about what you heard. Encourage him to go and be tested. Tell him that you are only concerned about his health and you are not saying that what you heard is true. But it will be better for him to know for sure whether or not he is carrying the virus.

I must warn you not to be careless. You are young and you have many years ahead of you if you live 'uprightly' and choose to associate yourself with good friends who do not sleep around.

Pastor

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