Relationships

My advice, for what it's worth as a 38 yo woman who has struggled with lack of male attention her whole life, is to focus on getting out and about more socially to see if any relationships develop.

I personally gave up on online dating completely but that's also an option if you wanted to try.

My sole relationship came through online dating but it didn't last and I was off & on those apps for a decade. They don't work for me!

I use Facebook and Meetup for local social groups, and if there isn't one you fancy you can always start up something yourself.

Even though they haven't led to any relationships for me I still have a tiny amount of hope plus the more I get out the less time I spend at home alone.

I wish you luck in your search, Pooleemily29. I was going to give you some advice, but everything I thought of was so clichéd.

I met several woman through 'Dating Direct', although none of the relationships came to anything. This was between 2009 and 2012, things may be different now; we hear stories of how alot of the profiles are fake to reel us in etc. Anyway, I have little faith in them tbh.

My ex wife, I met her in a pub in London, we only got talking because she recognised my Scottish accent! Her mum was from my town.

This might be typical to me, others may disagree with my opinion, but I found I couldn't get any interest at all, once I was out of my job and living on benefits. That was quite hard to take really.

Oh all right then, have a clichéd bit of advice - You are more likely to find someone, when you aren't looking!

Hi,

There is no need to feel unsure about whether to join another online community forum, I would suggest that many of us on scope likely dip in and out of various forums or specific health condition sites. You are allowed to get involved and communicate with anyone you choose too and I doubt anyone would have an issue with that. If someone did take offence then you would need to question their attitude, not your own…..you can join and get involved and see how it goes, if it’s not for you then delete your account, but limiting yourself by worrying about how others might perceive you only disadvantages you.

As a way of getting out and about, can I ask whether you have joined a local cerebral Palsy support group. Often these groups offer far more than just getting together and chatting. They often organise outings or trips, social get togethers, theatre trips etc. Getting involved can often open up whole new avenues to meeting people, and of course being in a specific Cerebral Palsy group it is likely that others will be able to share with you their stories and experiences whilst being able to point you in the right direction if you ever bring a question up to the group.

Hoping that you find that special person you are looking for, I am sure that you will

Scott

Hi Emily

I can totally get the feelings involved with others having to help you. I don’t have Cerebral Palsy but as my own illness ( idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) has progressed it has meant that others have had to take up some of the slack and help me out. I think it’s important though to remind ourselves sometimes that the people we rely on help because they love us and want to support us having as normal a life as possible, it is important to thank them though from time to time.

If these shoe was on the other foot I am sure we would help out too.

Finding friends whether you are able bodied or disabled can be challenging in this day and age. I am sure that you have had all the advice such as get involved in a hobby, join a club etc etc but the truth is they are all great ideas, although maybe a little daunting at first…..online groups are great and can lead to friendships forming but if these friendships are ever only through media it restricts the physical side of meeting that special someone.

Honestly, I would give the support group route a try, it might surprise you.

Take it easy

Scott