Advice and Support from Thousands of Users Just Like You

About You Your healthy mind, body, and spirit play a vital role in all the important relationships of your life. Share your advice and insights here.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools
propchick's Avatar

propchick believes life's all about wandering off on tangents.

Quick Study

Join Date: Oct 2009

Posts: 54

See profile

I think my own biggest issue with my problems is that I'm afraid to make plans with anybody. It's very hard to know ahead of time if I'll be able to do anything at a later date. Even in the morning, I can't tell if I'll even be able to leave the house that evening. My mother was very (nicely) honest about it, and told me that it was hard for her to adapt at first, because everything involving me is "written in pencil". The bad part is that my status can change so quickly. We've jumped in the car to head to the mall before, and by the time we got there, I literally didn't have enough energy to get out of the car. We had to just turn around, get some drive-thru, and head home.

Hi, FLDan! Very, very nice to have somebody out in the internet void who knows what I'm talking about!
- October 25th, 2009, 11:50 am
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Share on Facebook

#11   Reply With Quote
DreamingOfAtlantis's Avatar

DreamingOfAtlantis got 1st place in all his 3 Bronze III heats and his first Silver heat ever!

Veteran

Join Date: May 2008

Posts: 2,348

See profile

You don't mention, or I mis-read (and missed it) if this would create serious health issues if you were to try to have a child, or if it would mean you can't take care of children long term due to the issues with weakness and such.

I don't know if I'd trot this out on a first date, but I'd tell people soon. In my case, I love ballroom dancing, especially the tango, and yearn for the day when I'll be doing the tango with that special someone. I'm also an enthusiastic cyclist. In my case, I would want to know soon.

Such a condition would not preclude friendship, and it would not necessarily be a deal breaker in a relationship, but let's face it, if we go out on a date with someone and have a wonderful time, we can't help but imaging sharing some of what we love in life with them. If I knew, from the start, that there would be no kids, no tango, and no cycling, I could handle it much better than if we had been dating a few months and I finally find out that's why you've always had a reason to not go to dance lessons with me.

At that point, I'd be focused on getting to know you, but I'd know that you'd never step onto the dance floor with me to perform or compete, so I wouldn't be getting my hopes up for something that is impossible. If, on the other hand, you waited a good while to tell me, and you let me know AFTER I was emotionally invested, that might be a deal breaker -- not because of the disabilities, but because I'd feel ambushed.

Another thought I haven't seen mentioned is to take the guy's lifestyle into account. If he has a date with you the night before he's going to go rock climbing the next day, then this is going to be a big deal to him. If, on the other hand, he spends a lot of his time gaming at a console and reading and watching movies, then it'll be less of an issue with him. Also, if it effects your ability to have or care for kids, then finding out how a man feels about that will let you know how critical it is to tell him quickly.
- October 25th, 2009, 09:51 pm
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Share on Facebook

#12   Reply With Quote
propchick's Avatar

propchick believes life's all about wandering off on tangents.

Quick Study

Join Date: Oct 2009

Posts: 54

See profile

Sorry, you're right, I forgot to mention that I can't have children, and would have difficulty raising a baby. (Older kids would be fine, I just wouldn't be able to lift and carry a baby/toddler.)

I really feel much the same way you do, DreamingOfAtlantis. Many people have very strong feelings about having kids, or dreams of the life they'd like to have with their significant other, and I just wouldn't feel right not telling someone that those things are not within my abilities. It's hard, though, because it's a little awkward to get to such serious "long-term-relationship" topics somewhere in the beginning of the relationship.
- October 25th, 2009, 10:18 pm
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Share on Facebook

#13   Reply With Quote
singinggirl's Avatar

singinggirl is so glad to be home. :-)

Pacesetter

Join Date: Jan 2008

Posts: 488

See profile

I think it's important that you mention it early on--not necessarily the first date. As I've mentioned before, I have 2 kids with medical issues that require extra attn and work. Of course this is a different situation, but it wil effect my SO for various reasons, so I've dealt with this over the years.

I will disagree with one thing that I'm seeing in the threads, however. It is important to share some common interests, hobbies, etc, but just because a person enjoys some really physical activity, it may not necessarily be a dealbreaker that you don't or can't participate. My bf & I don't share every activity. I think very few partners share every activity.
- October 25th, 2009, 10:40 pm
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Share on Facebook

#14   Reply With Quote
DreamingOfAtlantis's Avatar

DreamingOfAtlantis got 1st place in all his 3 Bronze III heats and his first Silver heat ever!

Veteran

Join Date: May 2008

Posts: 2,348

See profile

propchick wrote :
Sorry, you're right, I forgot to mention that I can't have children, and would have difficulty raising a baby. (Older kids would be fine, I just wouldn't be able to lift and carry a baby/toddler.)

I really feel much the same way you do, DreamingOfAtlantis. Many people have very strong feelings about having kids, or dreams of the life they'd like to have with their significant other, and I just wouldn't feel right not telling someone that those things are not within my abilities. It's hard, though, because it's a little awkward to get to such serious "long-term-relationship" topics somewhere in the beginning of the relationship.
Yes, and if you do bring up something serious at the start, some people walk just due to that. That's part of why I was thinking it may help to know their lifestyle. That guy who loves rock climbing and canoeing may do it to be out with the guys or he may need to share it with his partner.

I'm sure every situation will be different, so there is no hard and fast rule, but one factor I'd consider is trying to picture just how important physical activity is to them. I'd think the more important it is in their lifestyle, the sooner they'll want to know.
- October 25th, 2009, 10:41 pm
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Share on Facebook

#15   Reply With Quote

ADVERTISEMENT

graceventually's Avatar

graceventually is getting ready for the Nov. 28 wedding, and so won't be posting much!

Virtuoso

Join Date: May 2008

Posts: 3,050

See profile

lil_lamb wrote :
tell them on the first dinner date, after the first coffee date. tell them casually. that is, remember - if you are anxious and afraid of their reaction, they will be anxious and afraid of your medical issues. i'm diabetic and use an insulin pump. i will say jokingly, for example, "excuse me, i have to check my pancreas - i promise i'm not texting under the table." and then i'll give them a quick run-down of the ways it doesn't effect my having a normal life - because that's what people really want to know.
What a charming way to handle a potentially awkward situation!
- October 26th, 2009, 11:27 am
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Share on Facebook

#16   Reply With Quote
ojoyfulone's Avatar

Newbie

Join Date: Oct 2009

Posts: 20

See profile

Hi Propchick!

I'm actually physically disabled........so my disability is actually very visable and it is hard for me to even find a guy interested enough to even go out with me. My experience on eH has been what I expected both times around.

The first time I joined eH, I left the fact that I was physically disabled off my profile and I had guys at least initate conversation, but very few made it to open communication.........that was over a year's time.

The second time around, I decided that I just didn't feel right not letting my matches know upfront about my disability, so I included that in my profile as well as put up several pics of myself in my scooter. I've either been closed out or left in limbo waiting for my matches to respond to communication. LOL I just hope that most guys are at least reading my profile and not just looking at my pics and making judgement solely on my pictures.......

I do believe that a good attitude helps, but I also understand that it is very frustrating to deal with sometimes.....

I do understand that our situations are very different, but similar in ways as well. They at least can see upfront what my issues are. Sooooo......for me, it's more of an issue of getting to go on dates.
- October 27th, 2009, 09:05 am
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Share on Facebook

#17   Reply With Quote
propchick's Avatar

propchick believes life's all about wandering off on tangents.

Quick Study

Join Date: Oct 2009

Posts: 54

See profile

I've wondered if it would be easier to have a more visible disability. Sorry to hear that it's just as big of a problem, ojoyfulone.

The embarrassing part is that my condition does show, but people aren't very aware about heart issues, so they don't know it. Can't tell you how many complete strangers have felt the need to tell me, "Wow, you're really out of breath" or "Why are you shaking like that, are you nervous??"

Love would be so much easier if there weren't any people involved, lol.
- October 27th, 2009, 01:13 pm
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Share on Facebook

#18   Reply With Quote
ojoyfulone's Avatar

Newbie

Join Date: Oct 2009

Posts: 20

See profile

propchick wrote :
I've wondered if it would be easier to have a more visible disability. Sorry to hear that it's just as big of a problem, ojoyfulone.

Well, like I said, it's all about attitude and how you approach it. I often have to refocus my thinking because I get bogged down with the if only this, if only that or why can't a man love me and accept me for who I am. What I need to remember is that I am loved by God and am perfect in his eyes and He thinks of me as someone very special. He can love me perfectly, something we humans cannot do.

Love would be so much easier if there weren't any people involved, lol.
LOL True.......but it's also true that the harder things are in life to obtain, the more they are worth having.

God bless propchick and hang in there!
- October 27th, 2009, 03:07 pm
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Share on Facebook

#19   Reply With Quote
FLDan's Avatar

Newbie

Join Date: Oct 2009

Posts: 6

See profile

propchick wrote :
"Why are you shaking like that, are you nervous??"
Oh yes, I've gotten this one before. It's either are you nervous or I HATE being told to "slow down". I try to blame it on the temperature when I can: "Well, it's cold in here and I'm freezing" or if I'm too warm it's "Well, I get that way when I get too hot".
- October 27th, 2009, 05:27 pm
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!Share on Facebook

#20   Reply With Quote

ADVERTISEMENT

Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Latest on our Dating Advice Discussion Boards

“To the OP... I am only an expert at dating women. Sorry I can't help you.” – tweet37

Join the “Confused?” discussion

“Well...we are all trying to find someone that compliments us, and your case is the same. I am sure there is a guy who is active that will be ok with a larger woman. There are some that will not be, ... ” – indigirl1975

Join the “Overwieght but physically active...” discussion

“In answer to your basic question of how to be less paranoid, as has already been mentioned, relax. Now a few observations on your post that you really did not ask about. 1. You forgot to hug him ... ” – Gr8Guyn2008

Join the “always so paranoid” discussion

“Honestly, though. Would you WANT a second date with someone who wrote you off just for ordering an iced tea? Well no. But if that was the problem I sort of would like to know.” – Gr8Guyn2008

Join the “Alcohol and dating...” discussion

“Of course it matters.. I'm going to go out on a limb and say things the way they really are without worrying about being Politically Correct. Until I'm serious about the woman I'm dating, ... ” – Gr8Guyn2008

Join the “Is there a difference between weekday and weekend dates?” discussion

“What?!? You think married people should be chaste too? I'll bet that goes over really well with the guys! I would think, in general, it would be more difficult for experienced people to be chaste. ... ” – Wonderwoman402

Join the “Gods will and sex vs abstinence for older folks” discussion

“ooo I love that! oh and don't worry about going alone to a work party... I've done it many times and still managed to have a blast - oh how could that have happened?” – timeless2

Join the “A Date for the *Dreaded* Company Christmas Party” discussion



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:02 am.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.1
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.3.0