Hi all
It's my first time posting here. I have had my ileostomy since I was 12 (29 now, so quite a long time), and obviously, I've had boyfriends and things have gone right and wrong, and I have been happy and sad like anyone else in this world. The thing is, I have always done things the same way... Meet someone and go on dates, sort of to make sure they would like me enough for when I told them about the ostomy.
I never realized I acted this way until this year when I met a super interesting guy and things got closer, so I had sex with him the same night... I had never done that before!! I felt "normal" for the first time and though I kept my shirt on so I wouldn't have to show him, I highly enjoyed that new experience!
What I wasn't expecting was that we have been in contact for months now since that happened (he lives abroad) until we talked about seeing each other again.... Now I am in a conflict because I feel like I need to tell him before we meet, as if I don't tell him, I'll be lying or tricking him into meeting me. But at the same time, thinking that makes it seem like he has the right to say he is not interested just because of the bag, so I can still meet and talk to him face to face...
I don't know if any of you have been in a similar position, but I would appreciate any advice to do things the best way for both me and my self-esteem and this great guy.
Thanks!!