Dating, Relationships, and Disability

248 - Six Actions to Take When You're Actively Dating

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Stage 4 (Active Dating) of her "5 Stages to Dating Success" framework. It's a tactical, mini-workshop style episode pulling content from her curriculum aimed at professionals in the disability field.

6 Key Skills for Active Dating
  1. Platform Engagement & Match Interaction — actively using apps or attending in-person events, following up with interested people
  2. Active Social Participation — attending events to build social skills and networks, not just to find a partner
  3. Leveraging Friend & Family Networks — asking 3 people in your life if they know potential matches; planting the seed pays off over time
  4. Reflection & Documentation — tracking what's working and what isn't, treating each experience as data
  5. Celebrating Progress & Self-Compassion — recognizing small wins; being kind to yourself when things go wrong
  6. Maintaining Authenticity — showing up as yourself, disclosing disability comfortably, requesting accommodations without apology
    7. Milestones to Watch For
    • Consistent presence on dating apps (at least 6 months before switching)
    • Feeling authentically represented in profiles and conversations
    • Navigating accessibility needs confidently and clearly
    • Recovering resiliently from rejection and disappointment
    • Maintaining clear boundaries and personal standards
    • Continuously learning and refining your approach
      • Action Items
      • Commit 30 minutes daily to dating-related activity
      • Rotate weekly focus areas: apps, social events, network outreach
      • Check in regularly with a small dating support network (1–3 trusted people)
      • Review conversations — note what energizes you and prep new topics
        • 🔗 Links Mentioned in the Podcast

        Kathy mentions show notes links for:

        • Five Stages of Dating Success curriculum for professionals in the disability field

        • A survey for feedback on an upcoming playbook covering all 5 stages (skills, milestones, and action items)

          And share it with anyone in your life who might have a story to tell! 💙

          Check out coaching in dating and relationships with me to get the support and relationships you want.

          Take our Dating Success quiz.

          Music by Successful Motivation

          Artwork photo by Elevate

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          Dating, Relationships, and DisabilityBy Kathy O'Connell
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