I have to begin with one of the “disadvantages” I have in my work. I’m married, happily married at that. It’s a wonderful facet of my life, but it does give me a distinct drawback when knowing what are the best dating sites and apps out there. And of course, the information about dating sites and apps is always changing. So this is not a podcast about what the best sites and apps are, but rather the approach and mindset that would be the most helpful if you choose to do dating sites and apps. Notice I said choose to. Like everything else with dating, using sites and apps is a choice. This can be helpful to remember that it’s really up to you if you use them as a tool in your dating quest.

Do What’s Right For You

Online dating is not for everyone, but can be a great way to meet people, especially as we continue to socially distance. However, it’s definitely not for everyone. Do what feels right for you. Naturally, make safe decisions in getting to know someone and before you meet them in person. We’ll talk in more detail about online safety in the next couple of weeks.

What To Consider With Online Dating

• Photos! Look through photos and find at least five good photos of yourself. This may seem obvious, but make sure they are flattering and that you're smiling. If your disability is evident from your appearance, consider using at least one photo that shows that.
• Spend time on your dating profile. A dating profile is a brief description of who you are and what you’re looking for in a relationship. Most dating sites and apps have a section for this. It’s a great opportunity to talk about yourself.
• The dating profile helps you with a number of things. Feel clear about what you have to offer someone and what kind of person you're looking to be with. Get down all your info, personal aspects you want to share, interests, and hobbies. See where you can share about your disability in a way that feels right for you.
• Next week we’ll take an even deeper dive into how to make a dating profile work for you and why it’s so crucial, even if you’re not doing online dating.

Where Do We Go From Here?
Where to begin with online dating? There’s endless choices for dating sites and apps. I recommend you spend some time looking at what’s out there, but don’t go into the dating app rabbit hole. Settle on 1 - 3 sites you can look into and possibly join.  I recommend you stay with a site at last three months before switching. I think it can take that long before you can get what I call “traction” on a dating site or app.

A lot of people say online dating sites and apps are full of scammers, which can certainly be true. There’s also many people, including myself, that have met their life partner through a dating site. I believe dating sites and apps can be a very viable way to meet people.

R

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