I am a 39-year-old HIV-positive African professional who is living quietly with my positive status

I am a 39-year-old HIV-positive African professional who is living quietly with my positive status

I am looking for a mature professional lady who is also HIV-positive so that we can have a serious relationship.

I believe it is morally proper for positive people to unite and live positively. This goes a long way to protecting society, and allows those of us who have accepted our fate to move on. I would prefer to hear from women in the Free state province but all are welcome.

Soulmate, Free State

Thank you for very brave and positive letter.

It is most admirable that you have taken such a positive stance about your HIV status, and I also admire your commitment to ensuring the safety of others.

Unfortunately, while I would be delighted to see you find the woman of your dreams, this Sister is not in a position to help you. The Sister Sledgehammer column is only for those readers who are seeking tell-it-like-it-is advice.

It is not a dating service nor a place for those seeking social contacts. For that, may I suggest you send the same letter with your name and address details to Sowetan's Meet A Friend, PO Box 6663, Johannesburg.

I also suggest that you only practise safe sex when you do hook up with your ideal partner, even if she too is HIV-positive. If she is not positive, you will not endanger her life. If she is positive, you will reduce the chances of the virus mutating and affecting your health.