I never set out to be a dating columnist for people with disabilities. It just sort of happened that way.
I was injured at age 14 in 1993. While in college, I decided to take advantage of the free Web space and easy-to-use Web builder that AOL was offering. This simple web presence, unbeknownst to me, would be the beginning of my reputation as a dating and disability guru.
The Web site I created was pretty clear-cut. It gave beauty and fashion advice for female wheelchair users, but with beauty and fashion so closely coexisting to the realm of dating, soon, emails from distressed men and women with disabilities asking for tips, started to trickle in. At first they cried out for a dating section, so I added it to the site.
After graduation, with my website still active, I started my writing career. A few years after that, with years of dating experience under my belt, a fledgling dating and disability Web site by the name of Lovebyrd.com wrote me. They wanted me to write an official semi-monthly column. Ecstatic, I said yes.
The Professional Journey BeginsAt that point, I was on my fourth boyfriend (I’m a long-term relationship kind of gal). I had been dating seriously since 18 years old, and I felt I had a decent amount of dating experience and was confident enough to write for their site.
It’s now been two years since I began writing for Lovebyrd. The people I’ve helped meet––and most memorably those I’ve had a hand in helping to fall in love—make this gig priceless to me.
January 29, 2008 korndemon69420 said:
Hi my name is Chris and I am 25 from Florida.. I am currently talking with a girl in a wheelchair.. We have met and went on a few dates and all but it hasn't gotten physical.. I really really like the girl alot but I know she isn't really confident about showing her body and stuff like that since only being in a chair like 4 years.. What do I do? I really like her but I don't know how to go about it ya know? It is hard to explain but would it work with me being able bodied and her not?? Please get up with me with some advice.. my email is korndemon69420@hotmail.com
February 15, 2008 Tiffiny said:
korn, yes it's possible. people do it all the time. as long as you still do the AB activities you love and enjoy (and dont feel guilty about still doing them! you shouldn't), then u guys haver as good a chance any couple.
July 7, 2008 Candygrrl80 said:
I'm 27 and I have CP. I have never dated and I'm starting to wonder if I should even bother. I have always felt that my disability was something to be ashamed of(of course, the weight doesn't help). I'm great chatter but I always ended up as a "friend"--and nothing else. Any suggestions to get me dating and out of perpetual "friend" mode?
Thanks for the help!
September 7, 2008 Anonymous said:
hello tiffany, my name is brian dropkin. i suffered a football injury 19 years ago. i was playing in a high school football practice and suffered a severe heard injury. i was in a coma for 6 1/2 weeks and while i was in my coma i suffered a stroke. well after 19 years i am doing great. i am very high functioning for my disability. my dating life sucks because of that. how can i meet people that are as high functioning as me, or maby not disabled at all. i have dated many woman, and i just cannot meet the right lady. i am a very good looking 35 year old male and i am very lonely. the feeling of being lonely really sucks. i lost half of my vision since my stroke, so i cant drive.i used to drive , for six months before my accident, and i miss that so much. oh well, i cant change what happened. can you please give me advice.tiffany why havnt you met the right person you ar a very attractive lady, and an inspiration to me. i was parilized on my entire right side for about a year, i can only get a taste of what life must be like for you. you are an inspiration and maby one day i can meet you. that would be wonderful. my phone # is (602 799-2837) my e-mail address is www.dropkinb@yahoo.com. it was finally nice to e-mail you and i hope to hear from you soon. thank you, brian dropkin
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