Disabled dating and romance doesn't have to be scary. Follow these expert tips to find that someone special with confidence and success.
"We've all been there! Tummy sick with nerves and butterflies, wondering what to wear or how to break the ice – this is what dating feels like whether you have a disability or not."
Dating can be such a fun and exciting time for all parties involved and we want you to feel prepared and confident. That's why the team here at Disability Matches has compiled some tips for you to consider.
Whether you're a relative newcomer to dating in general or you're a seasoned dater but are getting into the disabled dating scene for the first time, these tips will help you navigate the journey with confidence.
Obviously the first thing you need to do is get signed up to Disability Matches and start browsing! The great thing about the internet and disabled dating sites is that you can take your time, look through the profiles and decide who you might be interested in getting to know.
You don't need to be in a hurry and you can send messages back and forth for as long as you like before you decide to meet. Some people like to exchange messages for weeks or even months before meeting in person and that's absolutely fine!
When setting up your Disability Matches profile, it's really important to take the time to do it properly. Here are some tips to think about:
Put up at least one really good recent photo of yourself, preferably taken in the last year or so. This will help other disabled singles see who they might be talking to and chatting with and will encourage them to get in touch. Photos that show you having fun, smiling or doing something you enjoy often work really well.
This is your chance to tell potential dates all about you! Let them know what you're looking for, what you enjoy doing, mention your favorite movies, food, music etc. Talk about your disability but don't let it dominate your profile. Remember – you want someone who's going to get to know YOU, not just your disability.
When you first start chatting to someone on Disability Matches, remember to take your time and ask lots of questions! You want to get to know this person before you meet them in person.
Ask about their interests, what they like to do for fun, what their ideal date would be. The great thing about online disabled dating is that you can really get a good sense of someone's personality before you decide to meet them.
When you're ready to meet someone from Disability Matches for your first date, here are some tips to help it go smoothly:
Whether it's you or your date who has mobility issues, always make sure the venue is fully accessible
For your first few dates, it's always safest to meet in public places like cafes, restaurants, or parks
Always let a friend or family member know where you'll be and when you expect to be back
The most important tip is to just be yourself! If they don't like you for who you are, they're not worth your time