About this episode

This episode discusses how to embrace disability pride in the context of dating, offering strategies for reframing common comments and promoting self-acceptance.

It's Disability Pride Month, and while this topic has been covered previously, this episode dives into how pride shows up specifically in dating. Reframing Common Comments Ways to respond to backhanded compliments with pride, not shame: "You're so brave for still dating." → Normalize it: dating is something everyone does. "I wouldn't even notice your disability." → Ask them to actually see and acknowledge it — it's part of who you are. "You don't act disabled." → "I'm proud to be disabled — it's part of who I am, not a label to live up to." "It's inspiring you don't let it stop you from dating." → Turn it around: ask what they want in life, then note that pursuing it isn't "inspiring," it's just human. "I looked up your disability before our date." → Ask what they learned, and clarify what actually applies to you. A gentle brush-off/rejection tied to disability → Respond with confidence: their choice reflects what they're missing, not your worth. Bringing Pride Into Dating Use "and," not "but" — e.g., "I have cerebral palsy and I get around easily," not "... but I get around easily." Disclose early and matter-of-factly, not as a confession. Set an easy, humor-forward tone on…

People in this episode

Host: Kathy O'Connell

Topics covered

• disability pride
• dating
• relationships
• self-acceptance
• communication

Keywords

• disability pride
• dating
• relationships
• self-acceptance
• communication
• backhanded compliments
• boundaries

More episodes of Dating, Relationships, and Disability

• 251 - "Permission to Feel Pleasure": Sexuality, Disability & Desire · July 14, 2026 · 38 min
• 250 Milestone - Confidence, Connection, and Confronting Sexual Ableism · July 7, 2026 · 40 min
• 249 - Friendship Series: Everybody Has a Thing · June 30, 2026 · 47 min
• 248 - Six Actions to Take When You're Actively Dating · June 23, 2026 · 35 min
• 247 - I Need Your Help · June 16, 2026 · 13 min

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