How do I tell this guy he gave me an STI?

Dear Uncle Gary,

How do I tell this guy he gave me an STI?   We haven’t spoken in about a month. I ghosted him. Over the weekend, I got tested because I thought I had a yeast infection. Turns out, it’s chlamydia. He’s the only person I’ve been with, so I’m certain it came from him. Now I need to tell him, but I have no idea how to break the silence and say, “Hey, you need to get tested.” What’s the best way to do this without it turning into a fight or a guilt trip?

Signed, Infected

Dear Infected,

First off, I’m proud of you for getting tested. That’s not just responsible—it’s courageous. Now, about telling him: this isn’t about blame or shame. It’s about health, clarity, and doing the right thing even when it’s awkward.

Here’s how you can approach it:

Keep it short, clear, and calm. You don’t owe him a dramatic backstory or emotional unpacking. You owe him the facts.

You might say something like:

“Hey, I wanted to let you know I tested positive for chlamydia. You’re the only person I’ve been with, so I thought you should get checked too. Just wanted to make sure you knew.”

That’s it. No accusations. No apologies. Just the truth.

If texting feels easier than calling, that’s fine. If you’re worried about his reaction, remember: his feelings aren’t your responsibility. His health is. And yours matters too.

You’re not the villain here—you’re the messenger. And a responsible one at that.

With respect and zero judgment, Uncle Gary