Dating With Disabilities Demystified

So you have finally bagged yourself a hot date with an even hotter guy, so you want to make sure that you look your best.

• Sexy yet smart outfit / nice suit – check
• Make up done and some extra eyeliner for that sultry look/ aftershave applied smelling good – check
• Hair done and styled just how you want it/ hair styled – check

Having Second Thoughts

One last glance in the mirror and you are done. As you step out of your front door, you stop and all of a sudden you realise that this could possibly be the most challenging thing that you have ever done in your life, apart from your first day of school, work and going out into the big wide world on your own.

You start to think about all the reasons why you should not be doing this. Then you start to think about what he may be thinking. Will he feel comfortable around you? Will he even like you? Will he like what you are wearing? Do your shoes and outfit go with your wheelchair?

The Dating Game Is Hard

Of course dating is hard and it is even hard for able bodied people as well. Do not be fooled into thinking that because you have a disability that you are the only one going through the same worries when getting ready for a first date. Okay, the fact that you have a disability means that for every date or blind date you go on, your disability is going to come up in conversation.

But don’t feel disheartened. If you allow your worry to engulf you, then it will show to everyone else. So rather than letting your disability cause a problem, take a look at these dating suggestions to demystify dating with a disability.

A Chance To Highlight Your Disability

If your date is a date with a person you have not previously met, then ask your friend for his number, or tell your friend to give him your number. That way, when the date is arranged, it gives you the perfect opportunity to mention in the conversation that the restaurant will need to be wheelchair friendly. This will allow you the chance to work out if he already knows about your disability or not.

Uncomfortable Feeling

Some men and women find disabled people intimidating because they generally do not know how to deal with such a situation. So rather than asking about your disability, they prefer not to mention it in case they make themselves look like an idiot. Many people who are this way will hope that the conversation never gets onto the subject and that it will disappear into the night.

Honesty Is The Best Policy

Then there are others who will not date a disabled person because they think that it will be hard work. No one wants to be patronised, especially a person who is disabled, so honesty, although it can be hurtful, is better than a bare-faced lie.

If you do end up on a date with a person you have not previously met, then try to get the elephant in the room out of the way as soon as possible; that way not only will it clear the air, but also put both of you or at ease. If the blind date isn’t comfortable dating a disabled person, then being honest gives them the chance to use it as a get-out clause.