Dating Advice for Those Who Have Disabilities

Dating is difficult for everyone at one time or another. Disability or not, finding a date, asking for a date, and actually going out on a date is stressful. What do you do when you have a disability and want to date? Should you just forget about it, move on and remain single for the rest of your life? No! You get yourself together, create a goal and follow your dreams, no matter what people say or the self-doubt in your mind.

I would be lying to you if I said dating is easy when you have a disability. It’s not and can be awkward, disappointing and plain old frustrating. However, nothing worth having in life comes easy. I will offer my own advice based on my own personal experiences and observations. But I can’t tell you that my experiences will be exactly like yours, or you will feel how I felt. I’m hopeful that I can encourage you to follow your heart and life path.

Besides having a disability, who are you? What do you like and dislike? Who are you attracted to, and why? Are you happy? Whatever you answers, keep them real and honest. Lying about these things will only hurt you in the end. By knowing your genuine self and personality, you are more out to find someone who is right for you. Happiness comes from within. You can’t expect a partner to make you happy and maintain your happiness. Be happy on your own, and then you definitely know you’re ready to make the next steps.

Cerebral palsy and other physical disabilities are noticeable, no matter what you do. I felt frustrated when guys looked at me and saw my wheelchair instead of my figure. I also was annoyed at my cerebral palsy that when I felt attracted to someone, my spasms would react to my emotions. How embarrassing, right? But all of this came from my perspective, not theirs. They didn’t know my body in the first place, so if I seemed more spastic, they didn’t know any better. And, if I felt good about my appearance, people noticed that way before they noticed my wheelchair.

I concentrated on my appearance and style. Focusing on your appearance doesn’t mean to spend lots of money to keep up with the newest trends. It means to make sure you’re happy when you look in the mirror. I also concentrated on having my own hobbies, friends, and life. Being busy and focused on goals are attractive qualities, but more importantly, they are great for your own self-esteem and worth. The last thing you want is to depend on someone else for your life.

When someone shows interest in you, it’s exciting, awesome, thrilling and happy. Let yourself feel all of these emotions. Keep in check how you feel as well. Whatever you do, don’t stay with someone purely because they accept your disability. Trust me, there are many people out there who will love you for being you. Don’t use your disability to stay in the wrong relationship.

Be honest with your disability as much as you feel comfortable. It was difficult for me at first to talk about cerebral palsy with a potential date because it almost felt like I was talking about something taboo, or I thought he’d be turned off immediately. But through dating experiences, I learned that the more they understood, they could focus on who I was as a person and not just the disability.

Unfortunately, nothing can shelter you from heartbreak, disability or not. A guy broke up with me after more than a few months simply because I couldn’t walk on the beach. Yes, of course it hurt my feelings. However, I picked myself up and moved forward. It might take time, even years, to find someone who fits you, but do not settle. You can find the right partner if that’s your goal.

Think of dating like a job interview: The more you go on, the better you are and the more you learn.

Note: Cerebral Palsy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cerebral Palsy News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cerebral palsy.