Don't Sweat the Profile Picture When Dating With a Disability

When I first wrote this, it had been seven months since I entered the dating world for the first time and set up my first online dating profile. Since then, I have occasionally edited and then re-edited my profile description, chatted with matches and even went on a date. While those steps of online dating gave me the feeling of nervous anticipation, choosing a profile picture was the one thing I still had some difficulty doing.

It wasn’t like I was looking for the picture that made me look super attractive. I wanted a picture that accurately represented me. After scrolling through my phone, Facebook and Instagram account, I quickly realize a couple of things.

a. My Instagram account is pitiful.
b. I am never in a picture by myself.
c. I never take a picture with my walker, but I do with my wheelchair.
d. Most of my pictures are from vacation, which explains why I’m in my wheelchair. Vacation = lots of walking = wheelchair.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I wanted to give potential dates the truth.

I took a break from online dating to focus on the friendships I already have. I don’t feel the urge to get back in the game now, but I’m glad I had the experience to learn from. If I could sum up what I’ve learned from this experience, I would say this.

• Think about how you want to share your disability.
• But don’t overthink it!
• Be honest with others and with yourself.
• Have fun!