So my partner confessed that they get cold sores once in a while and they don't know if it's herpes or not. i love the person, is it safe to kiss?

Herpes type1: Coldsores r generally herpes type1. The chances of spreading increases with an outbreak but people can still shed the virus when asymptotic. If u r very concerned about it u could have u partner talk to there doctor about a preventative. Taking a preventative decreases spread but it will still be possibly to spread it. Also there is a blood test they could do to see if they have the virus

Its safe: If you are concerned about contracting herpes because someone occasionally has a cold sore, then you pretty much need to give up the thought of ever kissing anyone and might consider the celibate life of a monk, nun or priest.Unless there are open, active lesions, the risk of contracting herpes from someone is extremely low to almost non-existant. Please reconsider your fears if you want intamacy