No buts about it: dating is tough. Dating with a disability is even tougher. But no matter what your physical condition, staying in can prove toughest on you. It’s not just a saying: people need people. Being locked away from the rest of the world doesn’t do anybody any good. And that “anybody” includes the potential partner who could be meeting you.
Disability or not, one of the biggest questions singles sick of solitude ask is: Where can I meet someone special? The good news is that there are plenty of places to pursue passion, as long as you’re willing to put yourself out there. Whether you’re looking for a potential sexual romantic partner in your community or one in the world at large, Cupid may strike you in any of the following ways ...
Join a Chatroom
Chatrooms are Internet “spaces,” where people communicate in real time. They are often affiliated with a specific website. The sites, and even more commonly the conversations, can be sexual in nature. Some people enjoy this while others do not.
The good news is that there is a chatroom for everyone on every kind of topic. And it’s your call if you want to be a flirt. At some point, however, you may want to do so a bit more privately, using IM (instant messaging). Just be careful not to give out your real name until you feel like you’ve really gotten to know each other. And when you finally meet, be sure to do so in a public place during the day, e.g., afternoon coffee.
Pursue Your Interests
Involve yourself in activities with others who enjoy the same interests. Go to a concert. Attend a literary event. Volunteer, get involved with a local political campaign. Check out prayer services that may become meaningful. People are attracted to those with whom they have a lot in common. So you greatly increase your chances of making a match through things you enjoy.
Sign Up for Online Dating
A number of websites, like Match.com or PlentyofFish.com, offer Internet matchmaking services, with many aimed at an individual’s interests, e.g., animal lovers. Some of them allow you to check out their services for free. Others are ripe with classified ads, such as nerve.com. In just signing up, you have full access to a site’s member database and can instantly browse profiles. You can also take optional personality tests and quizzes to help you to contemplate or find the person of your dreams.
If you prefer social dating communities aimed at people with disabilities specifically, two respectable groups are dateable.org and disabled-world.com/disabled-dating, the latter of which is free. These sites, as well as others like them, are also abled-inclusive, inviting able-bodied individuals who would like to meet others who happen to have a disability.
Hire a Dating or Relationship Service
While money may be an issue, investing in your romantic life may be worth it, especially if you’re looking for your soulmate. Oft meant for the more marriage-minded, dating and relationship companies save you time and energy by helping you look for love. Why waste your own precious chi when services like “Dinner for Six” and “It’s Just Lunch” arrange everything for you?
Hit the Club Scene
While clubs can be intimidating, this venue cannot be ignored. It just requires some planning.
1. Make sure that you have adequate accessible transportation services. Vehicles for wheelchairs, for example, have been known for being slow and limited – and you don’t want to get stranded.
2. Since accessibility may be an issue at dance club or bar, find out ahead of time if you’ll have any issues getting in the front door or moving around. Feel out their level of friendliness in catering to those with disabilities. This is important since people have been kicked off of dance floors for taking up too much room.
3. Make sure that you bring at least a friend, if not a whole group, out with you. This will not only boost your confidence, if that’s desired, but enhance your sense of “owning” the scene a lot more.
Remember, you deserve every opportunity life offers us when it comes to finding and selecting your mate. Don’t deprive yourself the opportunity of romance and passionate love. Get out there!
