192 - Swiping with Success: Why the App Dateability Changed the Game for This Couple
Tina Fegley and Tyler Waldman who met on a dating app called Dateability, a platform specifically designed for inclusive dating, share their story on today's podcast.
Tina and Tyler will be special guests inside the Dating Made Easier community in June. Join here to get in on the conversation.
Tina and Tyler both found mainstream dating apps frustratingā€”she'd face awkward reactions when mentioning her wheelchair, while he struggled with when and how to discuss his epilepsy. After discovering each other on Dateability over a year ago, they've built a strong relationship that spans the hour between their cities, with weekends spent traveling back and forth to see each other. What began as two people tired of having to constantly explain or justify their disabilities has blossomed into a genuine connection where they can simply be themselves, understanding each other's needs naturally without making them the focus of their relationship.
Dating Challenges:
- Tina faced superficial interactions on regular dating sites, with people often leading with inappropriate questions about her wheelchair
- Tyler found mainstream apps frustrating and discovered Dateability through a news article
- Both appreciated that Dateability eliminated the need to hide or awkwardly reveal their disabilities
Relationship Dynamics:
- Their first date was at a sushi restaurant that Tyler made sure was accessible
- They communicate daily via text and see each other most weekends
- Tina particularly values that Tyler makes her feel she can be her "complete self" - including having bad days related to her disability without judgment
- They share interests in food, movies, travel, concerts, and gaming (Mario Party)
Advice for Others:
- Tina: Be yourself, don't try to hide your disability, be open to different opportunities, and understand that finding the right person takes time
- Tyler: The right person will accept you for all that you are, and your person might be found in the unlikeliest of places
- Both emphasized not taking rejection personally and being patient with the process
Relationship Growth:
- Both feel they're still learning new things about each other
- They've met each other's families
- The relationship has helped them both open up more than in previous relationships
- They appreciate having both shared interests and individual pursuits
Tina and Tyler were also featured in People.
Our Dating Resources
Ready to enhance your dating experience? Join our Dating Made Easier community for coaching and support along your path to meaningful connection.
Supporting Dating and Relationships membership (for special educators and professionals in disability services) - is for professionals in the disability field who are looking for training and resources to effectively help students/people with disabilities in developing dating and relationship skills. Click here to learn more.
Music by Successful Motivation
Artwork photo by Elevate
