Disability Topic of the Month: Valentine’s Day and Dating
In honour of Valentine’s Day, our disability topic of the month in February is…dating!
Finding love is something most of us hope for, and we know many of you are lucky enough to have someone special in your life, but we also know that dating with a disability (or while when you’re a busy carer) can be really challenging. That’s why we want to shine a light on the world of romance and disability, with the help of the people who know best – you, our wonderful guests! So please get in touch and share your stories with us. In the meantime, here are some of the ways we’re approaching love this month…
Revitalise Matchmaking
At Revitalise we’re proud to have played a part in many love stories, with some of our guests even meeting their special someone on holiday with us. For example, Carl Ashcroft and Tracey Stewart who first met at Revitalise Sandpipers 17 years ago and even got engaged at Sandpipers in 2015. Even better, they still enjoy regular Revitalise holidays together too – you can call us Cupid!
Keep your eyes peeled throughout the month as we’ll be sharing more Revitalise love stories like this, and we’d love to hear yours too!
Read more about how we are making a difference in the lives of our guests at Guest Testimonials
Funny, Yummy, Disabled Single Mummy
Our Revitalise500 winner Sam Hinton captured our judge’s hearts with her poem, ‘Funny, Yummy, Disabled Single Mummy’ – a light-hearted but poignant look at how dating with a disability has been particularly difficult during the pandemic. Sam’s poem also includes the lines below, which we think sum up a feeling many disabled people will relate to. Well done for being such a brilliant writer Sam, we know the right man is out there for you somewhere!
I mean, “disability isn’t sexy is it?”,
at least that’s what some guys would say
Though I’d beg to differ, in my fancy knickers,
I feel relatively okay.
Romance Isn’t Dead
For couples whose relationship has become centred around caring, with one partner looking after the other, it can often be difficult to find time to simply enjoy being together. That’s why we’re always so touched to see couples come on holiday with us, where their needs are completely taken care of and they can relax together, remembering how easily they fell in love all those years ago. To make the holiday extra special, we often like to set up little date night experiences for couples at our centres, for example private dining or romantic excursions.
Real Talk
When it comes to the practical realities of dating with disability, there are often questions that seem too taboo to ask. Just like in any relationship though, it’s important to have those difficult conversations and embrace your differences to make sure you find a suitable partner. In the meantime, if you’re looking for some advice, we think the ‘Relationships & Sex’ section of Disability Horizons’ website is really helpful and reassuring – no matter if you are disabled yourself, or have your eye on someone who is.
Valentines Day
Whether you love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day is coming round fast, so why not embrace it this year. Plus, here at Revitalise we don’t think you need to be in a romantic relationship to celebrate and are all for the ‘Galentines’ or Friendate’ concepts that have become popular in recent years. No matter who you want to show some love, there are plenty of ways you can do it. Since we’re in the middle of a pandemic and face to face interaction is pretty much off the cards, we suggest sending a handwritten card, getting on Zoom to watch a movie together virtually, or popping a chocolate treat through someone’s letterbox when you head out for your daily exercise.
