I'm in a stable relationship now but I spent a few years entrenched in the dating scene and though I look somewhat fondly on my days of single freedom, I still shudder at the bad things about dating -- awkward silences, clumsy first kisses, realizing that you have no chemistry and you still have two more courses of conversation to fill. But we still put up with all of this because by nature, we want to find that someone. We know they're out there, somewhere. Considering how difficult the dating scene was on someone like average like me, I can't imagine how hard dating would be for those who are un-average--those who are ill or disabled or disfigured. In a world where outwardly appearances and 'fitting in' are so important, how do you meet people who won't mind that you come with a few flaws?
This is a problem address by Prescription 4 Love, an online dating service specializing in hooking up people who have STDs, serious illnesses, physical ailments and disabilities. The site was started by Ricky Durham, whose brother suffered from and eventually passed away from Crohn's Disease, a condition that made it hard for him to navigate the dating world.
I think everyone deserves to find love, and it's great that there's a forum where people can be upfront and connect with those who either have similar conditions or who will like them just as they are. What do you think?
1. From my experience, dating can be very tough for cancer patients and survivors as well. If you're looking for a long term commitment, as I was, your chances can easily be killed by the simple disclosure of your medical woes because people either can't handle the idea or, worse, they assume you're impermanent and not a "good risk" for the long run. But also from my experience, there are those who will see past the stigma and allow love to flourish.
Regards,
Richard Day Gore
Posted at 8:21AM on May 30th 2007 by richard day gore