Online Dating Helps Disabled Men and Women Find Love

Nov 30

In today's busy world, many people are short on time and can't get out as much as they'd like. More and more often, they are turning to the internet to identify partners with whom to begin a relationship.

And yet, almost everyone finds online dating intimidating. Even the most attractive and healthy people experience some anxiety as their profile goes online and they wait for others to assess and critique them in the hopes of a future date.

Dating is considerably more difficult for those with impairments than it is for those with limited time. Disabled people, particularly those with visible disabilities, face challenges that the able-bodied often don't even consider when crafting their online profile.

Luckily, there are now several sites devoted specifically to persons with disabilities who are seeking love, support, or just someone else who understands their condition. Some go even further than that, especially targeting users who share the same ailment, such as Autism or being wheelchair-bound. Besides dating, there are many possibilities available in online relationships that can be helpful, such as companionship, advice, and support.

Advantages of Dating Online for Disabled Persons

One of the biggest advantages to online dating is that it allows you to access a huge pool of potential partners who might not otherwise be available in your immediate area. This can help you get to know people from other states, countries or even continents if you're up for an adventure. It's also convenient, because it takes less time than meeting someone at a local bar or restaurant, and one profile can potentially lead to multiple dates - possibly even within one website, depending on how many users are registered with the site.

The fact that there are so many options means that disabled people have more opportunity than ever before to find another person who understands what they've been through and doesn't judge them for it.

Disadvantages of Dating Online for Disabled Persons

Unfortunately, there are some disadvantages of online dating for disabled people. The biggest one is that it's generally considered more difficult to meet someone through the internet than in person. This makes the process more stressful and requires a lot of patience. Also, you'll need to be more choosy when picking which sites are right for you, because it can be difficult to determine which sites are worth paying for. Lastly, due to the nature of online dating, you might get more responses than you need; this may make it harder for you to find someone who is truly compatible with you.

Also keep in mind that if your disability is immediately visible (for example, wheelchair use), you might get more positive responses from people who are simply trying to be nice. Do not waste your time on people who express interest in you just because they feel sorry for you . If someone takes a genuine interest in getting to know you, that's a good thing! Be polite but assertive and do what works best for YOU.

Safety on Online Dating Sites for Disabled Persons

Be safe! There are online dating site scam artists out there on any type of dating site, who will try to trick you into giving them money while posing as someone they're not. If something seems too good to be true- it probably is! Anyone who asks you to send money, make a wire transfer or otherwise does not give you the option to meet in person is probably a scammer. If you are going to meet in person, meet for coffee first, and remember that if someone wants your money they might be planning to take off with it - so always err on the side of safety.

A picture can say a thousand words! Browse profiles carefully before contacting people, because there are also users out there who will try to get you to send them money by playing on your sympathies using fake photos. If the photo seems too perfect, it probably is. And always keep safety in mind when communicating with other users via email or text message. Don't give out passwords or sensitive personal information.

Dating Profiles for Disabled Persons

The dating profile is the first impression that you give to an online dater. Remember, you are not just "a disabled person". You are a person with strengths and weaknesses, hopes and dreams, and your own distinct personality characteristics. At the end of the day, being a disabled person is just one characteristic that makes you who you are, but it's not the only thing that defines your personality.

Your profile should be:

Short and to the point (personality, hobbies, interests)
INCLUDE your condition or disability in your profile, but don't make it THE focus. For instance: "I am a man with Cerebral Palsy who enjoys reading, swimming and playing wheelchair rugby."
If you're not disabled physically (for example, if you suffer from depression), reference that as well: "I'm a woman with clinical depression; I like to read, play video games and go rock climbing."
Be clear about what you are looking for - friends? relationships? casual dating?
Be honest! No one likes nasty surprises when they meet a new partner.
Also be clear up front about whether or not you are interested in a serious relationship, and establish whether or not you're looking for someone with the same condition.

An attractive profile should include:

Your face (if possible - otherwise a clear picture of yourself)
An engaging statement about yourself that talks about your personality or character or anything that will give other daters a reason to choose you over another person.
A few sentences explaining what interests you, hobbies, etc.

Unless your disability is immediately identifiable from the photo you post, include a short explanation in your profile text that indicates it exists, but does not overwhelm your summary of personality traits or interests.

Online Dating Sites for Disabled Persons

Try to get a feel for the site's dating atmosphere - many sites have forums or blogs where other members can discuss their experiences, which can provide good feedback about what kind of people are on the website and how effective it is at finding matches based on your preferences! Unlike through other online interactions, disabled persons have an advantage when building relationships over the internet because they already know that the person they're communicating with has an interest in similar things.

Look around and try out the various services offered by these websites - take advantage of all free trials and discounted memberships to get a better idea of what works best for your needs before you pay full price! Compare prices and see which one offers the most bang for your buck when it comes to helping you find a date - chances are good that there is more than one option available to you.