Dating a blind person comes with its own set of challenges. When it comes to knowing how to deal with someone’s disability, no one is really prepared for it unless they share a somewhat similar experience. However, that does not mean that your relationship cannot flourish, just that you have to pay some special attention to their needs and wishes, at least until you get used to how they live with their disability. Here are some useful tips that can help you along the way.
Be Flexible
Regardless of the love you have for your partner, sometimes you will notice the limitations of dating a person with visual impairment. Spontaneous dates and certain physical activities may be out of the question. Visiting art shows and galleries is also not an option. Using public transport to meet somewhere in the city may be tricky as well, so you may have to drive everywhere or meet somewhere close to their home. However, despite all these minor obstacles, there is still plenty you can do together. Instead of bowling or playing tennis, go hiking and swimming. Art shows can be easily replaced with concerts and there are even movie theaters that are specially adapted for the bind. All in all, you will not have trouble finding things to do if you are willing to make compromises and accept a slightly different kind of dating.
Indulge Your Other Senses
This applies to both you and your blind partner. Dating someone who cannot see can give you a different perspective on life. This does not mean that you should avoid doing things that involve using your eyesight, it just means that you can learn to rely on your other senses as well. For instance, going to the park and exploring the outdoors is not all about being able to see. You and your partner can enjoy nature’s fragrances, feel the grass under your fingertips or just sit and soak up the sun. To fully activate your other senses, you can try a pottery class, take piano lessons or go to a karaoke bar and sing your heart out. As long as you do not limit yourself to doing things that mostly require using your vision, you will easily find activities you both can enjoy.
Take Care Of Yourself
When you are dating a blind person, it can be all too easy to forget about your needs. That is why it is important to take good care of yourself and engage in activities you enjoy from time to time – even if your partner cannot participate. Just like you will change some of your habits for your partner, they should be able to understand that you cannot give up everything you like because of their disability. If they are a normal person, they will not expect it either. Just make sure not to let them feel excluded from your life; if you do something fun with your family or friends, do not act like it did not happen in front of your partner; instead, describe the event or activity to them with as many details as you can and tell them how happy you are that you can share everything with them.
Learn How To Deal With Other People’s Opinions
Dating a blind person will certainly be the topic of many conversations involving your friends and family and some may not approve of it either. People you encounter may stare and have snarky comments, but you should not concern yourself with what they think. Although your loved ones will comment out of concern, it is up to you to defend your relationship and do not let other people get in the way of your happiness. Take the time to explain the situation and be patient about it. People who have never been around those with disabilities often do not understand what it is like to live with one and it is your job to make sure they see the right perspective. Those who truly care will eventually accept it and those who do not – well, they are not important anyway.
Do Not Let Your Relationship Revolve Around Their Disability
Dating a blind person will definitely have a huge impact on your life and certain things will require some getting used to, but it is important to keep in mind that nobody wants to be constantly reminded of their disability. There is a fine line between being considerate and acting like an overprotective parent. Your blind partner will appreciate the extra attention as long as you do not start treating them like a victim. Sometimes you may not even be aware that what you are doing is wrong, but when your partner tells you not to do something, listen to them and do not repeat the same mistakes in the future.
Bottom Line
Whether you have started a romance or just met on an online dating site for people with disabilities, we hope our tips for dating a blind person have shed some light on how to deal with your partner’s disability without letting it affect your relationship. Even though dating someone who is visually impaired means sacrificing some activities you like or were used to doing with your previous partners, you will get to experience so many other aspects of life you never knew existed. As long as you enter your relationship with an open mind, there is nothing the two of you will not be able to overcome together.
