50 - What's In Your Dating Tool Bag?

I want to thank the listeners who have already volunteered for the research interviews my colleague, Alexa, and I are doing. We have gotten such amazing insights and information already. If you would be willing to give us 30 minutes to interview you for some research, and yes, you can be sure it will include dating and relationships, sign up here for Kathy and here for Alexa.

Now, I have a question for you, as I usually do. Do you have a dating tool bag? Are you saying, Kathy, what the heck is a dating tool bag? Well, if you’ve been listening for a bit, you know something I say a lot about dating with a disability is that it’s hard, but totally possible, meaning you can figure it out. However, like a lot of puzzles in life, it may take time and TOOLS to figure it out. I have some suggestions based on what worked in my life and what is helpful for the people I help with dating and relationships.

A Dating Plan
First, you need to have a plan for approaching dating. I encourage you to come up with three positive messages you can tell yourself about dating, two encouraging beliefs you can develop about dating, and then decide on one action you’re going to take to put yourself out there to date, such as get on a dating app or go to a particular event. I call this the 3, 2, 1 plan. 

The Dating Profile and Disclosure
Writing a profile helps you get clear on the strengths and assets you bring to dating and relationships. If you are dating with a disability, you need to learn ways to disclose it in your dating profile. The How to Write a Kick Butt Dating Profile and Disclose Your Disability Guide may help.

Your Support System
Use this guide sheet to help you identify not just people but books, activities, and resources to help you in your dating and relationship journey.

Talking About Your Disability
This is NOT the same as disclosure of your disability. Once you disclose your disability, you need ways to talk about it  in a healthy, empowering ways. Check out the Bringing Disability Into Relationships Guide.

Being Able To Have Tough Conversations
Having Difficult Conversations Guide can help you figure out what to say for those difficult, but important conversations.

Coaching
This is a service I offer in my business, Dating and Rel

Check out our Dating Memberships:

Dating Made Easier (for all people wanting to date) - is a monthly membership for anyone (with or without disabilities) who wants support and guidance in dating skills and getting the RESULTS you want in dating and relationships. Click here to learn more.

Supporting Dating and Relationships membership (for special educators and professionals in disability services) - is for professionals in the disability field who are looking for training and resources to effectively help students/people with disabilities in developing dating and relationship skills. Click here to learn more.

Music by Successful Motivation |
Artwork photo by Elevate