204 - The Five Stages Toward Dating Success

Take The Dating Success Quiz here.

Stage 1: Foundation and Self-Discovery

Building your authentic foundation through deep self-awareness and self-acceptance. Key focus areas include understanding your inherent worth, identifying strengths and values, and developing a positive relationship with your disability or difference. Action items include practicing daily affirmations, engaging with disability-positive media, and joining supportive communities.

Stage 2: Confidence Building and Resilience

Developing unshakable self-confidence independent of external validation. This stage emphasizes handling rejection, receiving constructive feedback without personalizing it, and building resilience techniques. Recommended actions include practicing boundary-setting, role-playing difficult conversations, and developing effective dating profiles.

Stage 3: Strategic Planning and Preparation

Creating a personalized dating action plan that addresses accessibility, safety, and financial considerations. Key milestones include developing safety protocols for online and in-person dates, researching accessible dating apps, and deciding how and when to disclose your disability. Kathy recommends always having video chats before meeting in person and establishing clear safety plans.

Stage 4: Taking Action

Actively implementing your dating plan by engaging with potential partners through various channels. This "putting yourself out there" stage involves setting goals for initiating contact, joining dating apps, attending meetups, and expanding your social circle to meet new people.

Stage 5: Refining and Sustainable Confidence

Mastering your dating approach based on experiences from previous stages. This involves maintaining confidence regardless of outcomes, adjusting strategies based on learned experiences, and developing sustainable dating habits while working toward long-term relationship goals.

Next StepsTake

The Dating Success Quiz here to help identify which stage you're currently in and what would benefit you most in your dating journey. The framework is designed to be fluid, allowing movement between stages as needed.

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