Dating & Herpes: How To Avoid the "Scarcity Trap"

In this episode of the Herpes Wellness Podcast, Cat Dupree breaks down The Scarcity Trap — that mindset that convinces you to stay in the wrong relationship just because someone “accepts” you. You’ll learn how fear, self-doubt, and low self-worth can keep you holding on to what’s familiar instead of choosing what’s right for you.

Cat opens up about how this shows up for people living with herpes and shares how to stop settling, raise your standards, and start knowing your worth — whether you’ve just met someone or been in a relationship for years.

Cat shares how to stop chasing other people’s approval, how to see “no” as redirection instead of rejection, and how to rebuild confidence and emotional freedom through self-acceptance.

In this episode you’ll hear:


✔️ What The Scarcity Trap is and how it keeps you stuck

✔️ Why acceptance and alignment are not the same thing

✔️ How “you get what you tolerate” shapes your relationships

✔️ The truth about comfort vs. self-respect when it comes to herpes
✔️ How to choose yourself without feeling guilty or alone

If you’re living with HSV1 or HSV2, or navigating a relationship with genital herpes, this episode will help you break free from fear, stop settling for less, and finally build the confidence to walk away from what’s not meant for you.

In this episode 👇🏻

00:00 Intro and Welcome
02:05 What is The Scarcity Trap
03:38 Searching for Validation
05:17 Acceptance vs Alignment
08:23 Choosing Yourself Over Comfort
10:41 4 Key Takeaways
11:28 Closing

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