Most singles find navigating the twenty-first century dating landscape stressful. When it comes to dating, the sight challenged face an additional challenge.
While it may be tempting to avoid dating apps in favor of cuddling up with your pet and a bottle of wine, there is love and companionship out there!
Here are a few pointers to assist you in navigating the perplexing world of dating.
1. Decide which dating app will work best for you.
If you’re going to use the internet to find a date (and who isn’t in 2020? ), here’s what you should know. Spend some time researching which apps will best suit your aesthetic requirements.
In the settings of most phones, there is a magnifier feature that allows users to enlarge the tiny text on apps.
Unfortunately, many popular dating applications (such as Tinder and Bumble) are incompatible with the Voiceover app, which might be difficult for legally blind people. A fast glimpse at another user’s photo will result in a left or right swipe for sighted individuals.
This verification process is more difficult for online daters with visual impairments. Some visually impaired people may choose to utilize an app that asks for more information (such as eHarmony.)
2. Decide when and how you’ll share your visual impairment, on your own terms.
Some people will choose to share their disability directly in the written “About Me” section of their dating app of choice. (The termblind datetakes on a whole new meaning!) Others may choose to wait until they are actually messaging or texting with a potential match.
There are pros and cons to all approaches; being open and honest at first swipe can immediately weed out people who aren’t open to dating someone with a visual impairment (and who wants to date those people anyway?!)
However, immediate disclosure can also lead to unwanted attention from potential dates who specifically prey on matches who they view easy to take advantage of.
Decide what works best for you, and keep in mind that this isn’t a perfect science, and most people, like you, have good intentions and want to find a spouse.
3. Keep the details surrounding your vision loss brief.
On date one, three, or ten, don’t feel obligated to disclose any personal information about your vision loss. Not your ophthalmologist, but a complete stranger. If the relationship progresses, there will be plenty of time to share those details later.
4. Consider safety first.
This holds true for all singles who meet dates online, regardless of disability.
Keep your answers ambiguous until you’re confident in the individual you’re meeting.
It’s also a good idea to notify a family member or friend that you’re going on a date in case something goes wrong; emailing a screenshot of your date’s profile or informing a loved one where you’ll be meeting is a good precaution.
Although it is incredibly rare for singles to be hurt as a result of an internet date, being cautious when meeting strangers is always a good idea!
5. Take ownership and suggest date locations that will be accommodating for you.
Do you know of a wonderful new restaurant with a Braille menu? Make a suggestion! Dating is stressful enough without having to worry about finding a venue that would accommodate your demands. Selecting a familiar and comfortable first-date venue is very important for relaxing and enjoying the event.