Whether you are single and thinking about dipping your toe into the dating pool or are already in a dating relationship, it’s complicated enough without thinking about your MS. Dating with MS can be scary, but don’t let your diagnosis stand in the way of your happiness. The following tips for dating with MS will give you the tools you need to get started.
Tell When You Want To Tell
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and your own level of comfort with discussing your MS, you may or may not want to disclose your diagnosis early in the dating process. Some people put it right on their dating profile; others casually bring it up on the first date; others wait until they decide someone is worth the emotional investment. Bring it up when you feel comfortable enough to do so. Most people will respond positively, and if they don’t, it’s usually out of fear from misinformation. Learn to combat the stigma of MS and educate the people you date. Most importantly, remember that MS is just something you have, not something you are.
Develop Open Communication
Once you find someone you click with, it’s important to foster a dating relationship with open communication. You need to feel comfortable discussing anything with your partner, particularly when it comes to MS symptoms, physical limitations, or intimacy struggles. It can be challenging to discuss these and other difficult topics, especially in a new relationship, but this is a trial time where you are testing to see whether the person you are dating is truly compatible with you and your life. Give your date a chance to support you, and you may be pleasantly surprised. The right partner can help you combat the challenges in your life, including those associated with MS.
Be Firm About Boundaries and Limitations
It can be tempting in a new relationship to let things slide. You don’t want to be viewed as problematic or difficult, and you want your partner to see only the good things about being with you. It’s important to be honest about your limitations and desires, even if you are uncertain whether they match up with your new partner’s. Relationships built on honesty have the best chance of success so try to be honest in your portrayal of yourself.
Regardless of where you are in the dating process, don’t let your MS dictate your life. Stay positive and keep at it; there’s someone out there for you. If you are in a dating relationship, consider sharing this post about dating someone with MS with your partner.