Relationships & Support

If only finding "the one" was as easy as meeting someone and falling in love. However, to get from point A to B, you have to go through this thing called dating.

Dating can bring about many questions and some anxiety. Thoughts like, “Where can I meet people?” and “How much should I say on a first date?” may come to mind. As a person living with multiple sclerosis (MS), I often think about that and so much more when dating.

I was diagnosed with MS on New Year's Eve 2002. I had trouble walking. Simple tasks like holding a cup or buttoning my clothes were hard. As the months went by, I began to regain much of what was difficult. But I still had some challenges. On the outside, I looked well. People would often say, “But you don't look like you have MS” (as if MS has a look). Everyone’s MS is different, but my days consisted of "invisible issues" as well as constant pain and fatigue. These are things that can become awkwardly obvious and can play with your mind, especially when dating. Here are some tips that I’ve developed while dating.

Dating as a whole can bring about some anxiety. For example, what I will wear, what I should say or do. Now add a diagnosis of MS! At first, I thought it was easier to just not date. However, I knew I wanted to find “the one.” I was determined to put myself out there to find him. Things like confidence, strength, and trust had to be redefined in me in order to move forward with dating. I knew it’s what I wanted, and I wasn't going to let my MS stand in the way. 

Meeting someone for the first time can bring about some jitters with or without a disease. Try to relax and enjoy the moment as best you can. Proper planning may be needed, but it can go a long way toward making sure you have a great time.

In my case, I may have to limit my beverages so I'm not running back and forth to the bathroom. If there's food involved, I may order something that doesn’t involve too much work with my hands. I also prefer time-sensitive first dates, like an afternoon movie, since my fatigue often kicks in during the evening. By planning beforehand, I am able to take away some of the constant thinking about MS and put the focus on the date. This way, I can hear that story of him back in high school without interrupting to address my symptoms.

There is no right or wrong time to talk about your MS. It's when you feel comfortable and when you are ready to talk about personal things with your partner. After all, do you talk about your credit score on a first date? You will know when that time comes. Today, I find it easier to talk about it, especially since I've educated myself on what living with MS means for me. Educating yourself about MS can build confidence, and that can make having the conversation much easier.

• Dating is all about taking a chance on getting to know someone. Everyone has something that he or she fears the other person may not like. But that should not stop you from dating if you are ready to date—especially in the beginning
• Before worrying about whether he or she will like you with MS, focus on the person you’re on a date with. If you like that person, it may be easier to have that conversation
• Not every bad date will be because of MS. In fact, it may just be chemistry or something you may not be comfortable with about the other person. After all, dating should be about getting to know each other and not just trying to explain your MS the whole time. MS is just another part of you. It doesn't have to define you
• Just as MS is unpredictable, the same can be said about life in general. Who knows what tomorrow may bring? But it’s important to live for today and put yourself out there. You are an amazing person and you deserve someone special too