Setting up an online dating profile can be a little nerve-wracking at any stage of life. And if you’re disabled, you may be unsure about how exactly to present yourself.

What sort of picture should you post on your profile? Should you try to be funny or serious? These questions can be puzzling, but don’t let them deter you from creating a profile online.

After all, online dating is a great way to get yourself out there. In fact, out of the 54,350,000 single people in the United States, 49,650,000 have tried online dating. That’s a big sea of fish to pick from!

If you’re disabled and wondering how to create the perfect online dating profile to represent who you are, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for eight tips that will get you on the right track to finding that special someone.

1. Embrace Your Truth

Embracing your truth may sound a little cheesy, but it’s a great way to ensure that your online dating profile is honest and genuine. Before setting up your profile, take some time to think about exactly what you want.

Are you looking for a long-term relationship? Or, perhaps, something less serious?

Being honest with yourself will allow you to share that honesty with others. And whatever it is you want, embrace and showcase it on your profile and when you begin chatting!

2. Don’t Shy Away from Photos

Depending on where you are on your life’s journey, you may be feeling self-conscious about posting photos of yourself online. Whether this is related to your disability or not, take this opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

After all, it can be argued that your profile photo is the most important part of your online presence on dating profiles. Whether we like it or not, human beings are visual creatures and seeing what someone else looks like helps us connect to each other.

The key here is to showcase your true self without shame. And, of course, to get your friends to help you pick the most flattering selections!

3. Find the Humor

You may have found throughout your life that humor is an effective and comfortable way to get past that initial awkward feeling some may have regarding your disability. If you have found this to be true, incorporate this humor into your online dating profile.

Not only will this help break the ice, it will showcase you as the fun and approachable person that you are.

4. Keep Privacy in Mind

Although the vast majority of people who are dating online are genuinely representing themselves, it’s important to remember that there are some who are not. When someone sets up a profile that misrepresents who they are, like with fake photos, it’s known as “catfishing”.

Usually, there are two motives in catfishers. They are either interested in establishing a purely emotional, strictly online relationship with another person without the pressures of meeting in person, or they’re trying to scam them for money or gifts.

Either way, make sure that you never become a victim. Never give out any personal information to others online, including your full name, address, etc. And although chatting on the web is a great way to get to know someone, meeting in person (in a safe, public place) is even better.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Feeling overwhelmed about creating the perfect online dating profile? Don’t stress.

It’s perfectly fine to ask for help instead of trying to do everything yourself. Enlist the help of your friends or family when writing about yourself on your profiles. In fact, they may be able to provide you with insight that you would never have thought of yourself!

And instead of posting that 10-year-old, blurry selfie, consider hiring a professional. That’s right, there are pros who will do a shoot with you just to get that perfect profile picture! You’ll be astounded by the difference a snazzy new photo will make.

6. Disclosing Your Disability on Your Online Dating Profile

So, what are the rules about disclosure regarding your disability? There are none!

Basically, you just need to do what makes you feel comfortable while still keeping things honest. Just remember that no one likes to meet up with someone in person and realize that they haven’t been honest about who they are.

However, that does not mean that you need to disclose every personal detail about yourself online, or even on the first date. Depending on how you feel and on your unique situation, follow your heart and figure out what’s right for you. Don’t worry about what anyone else might think!

7. Be Positive

Unfortunately, people who happened to have disabilities are sometimes misunderstood. A differently-abled person may think that they are sad, negative, or any number of other generalizations.

Prove them wrong. Show your positivity and the full range of your personality. After all, your online dating profile is no place for bad vibes!

8. Showcase Your Passions

What makes you tick as a person? Are you an adrenaline junkie? An art lover?

Whatever it is that you enjoy, show it off on your dating profiles. Whether you choose to do this through your photos or in your written bios is up to you.

Not only will showcasing your passions also reveal your personality, it can also serve as an ice breaker and conversation starter. And what’s better than meeting potential dates who have the same passions as you do?

Time to Get out There!

Now that you know how to set up the perfect online dating profile, it’s time to get out there! Follow the tips above and you’re sure to have success.

Just remember to be honest, true to yourself, and to showcase your best attributes. And watch out for those catfishers!

In regards to your disability, there are no rules. Do whatever makes you comfortable while staying true to yourself and being genuine with others. And don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone!

Do you have any questions or want to know more about our services? Contact us here! We’d love to chat.