Dear Carolyn: I have herpes. After a 15-year marriage, I was smug in thinking I was “clean.” I found out after having Lover No. 2, realizing it wasn’t safe out there and having every test done.

I now take the pill the doctor prescribed as soon as I feel it coming on, and the outbreak goes away fast. The problem is Lover No. 2 found the prescription bottle, took pictures of it and blackmails me if I try to break up. Bad enough, I know, I’m getting rid of Lover No. 2.

My question is, something like 70 percent of people have this; I have a very mild version that occurs infrequently and is controllable; I know when it’s coming and I can refrain from sex until it’s gone. Do I have to tell right away? Lover No. 2 says yes, and I think you will, too, but I feel like if I have to say this at the beginning of a relationship I will probably never have sex, let alone a relationship, again. How do you say it? – Obviously Anonymous

Yes, you must disclose. You may have a mild case and also “know when it’s coming,” and about 20 percent of the population has it. For No. 2 to be surprised by your prescription bottle, he had to have been in the dark about your diagnosis. So wrong of you.

He reacted by charting new waters of wrong – he belongs in a crime novel, not your bed – but that doesn’t mitigate in any way your failure to do the right thing by disclosing your condition.

Here’s what you do from now on: Date as always. Your duty to disclose kicks in after you’ve made the decision to have sex, and before you have sex.

Yes, some people will leave you for it. There’s no way around it, and, yes, it will be more painful to lose someone you’ve gotten to know than someone you just met.But your health isn’t your dates’ business until you get close enough for it to be their business.