Dating and Disability
Why date? Some people are interested in dating and some aren’t. Nobody says you have to date someone. Every person is independent, special and unique. You shouldn’t need another person to make you feel good.
With that in mind, most folks at some point do
have a crush on a special someone. Maybe you just think someone
is cute. Maybe you’d like to ask them to the
movies. Maybe you’d like to get romantic. Maybe you’re looking for a life partner. Whatever you want, remember three things: use your common sense, have
fun, and don’t let setbacks get you down.
Young people with disabilities are sometimes
concerned about dating issues. You might worry that someone might
be turned off by your disability. You might worry that your
disability won’t let you do certain things in a relationship. You
might even worry that someone who likes you won’t date you because their friends think that would be uncool.
Maybe your parents think you shouldn’t date because someone might take advantage of the fact that you have a
disability. Dating with a disability can definitely be stressful,
although some people don’t worry about it at all.
The truth is that good relationships really are
about who people are inside. Never be afraid to just be
yourself. If someone makes you feel like you have to change in
order for them to like you, that is not fair to you. Someone who
really likes or loves you will never ask you to apologize for yourself or to change yourself. If you are worried about how someone will deal with your disability, the
best thing to do is teach them. People often get nervous when
they don’t understand your disability. Teach them about your
disability, and they will be more confident with you and with themselves.
Your disability is personal to you and it really
is no one else’s business. The thing is, relationships are also
personal and it is tough to hide something like a disability in a relationship. Most people find it’s a good idea to educate their significant others about
their disabilities, and then from there just treat it like it is: an everyday part of life.
If you keep an open mind, you never know what
special person you might find. It really helps to be confident in
yourself and to be proud of who you are. Show off your
talents. Take a chance and talk to new people when you meet
some. It’s always good to at least make a new
friend! You never know if a friend could become something
more.
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Access Living Youth Center
All Rights Reserved
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