I think it safe to say that everyone is, or was at some point in their life, searching for a bit of romance. It is only natural for a human to have those desires and I am no different. However, things are more difficult because of my disability. Yes, I am only 20 so haven’t been seeking a proper girlfriend for that long a time but there have been so many rejections in that short period, it has felt like I have been single forever. I haven’t even had one girlfriend and it’s no surprise that I feel that will not be coming to an end soon.

The reason I blame my disability for my failed love life is because when I was in Primary School and ‘normal’ so to speak, I was quite the little heartthrob. Girls actually wanted to go out with me and even wanted to kiss me. I can even remember marrying a few different girls (what a playa) using a Hula Hoop as a wedding ring. The change in how the opposite sex sees me now I am disabled is clear. I’m not stupid so I know when a girl looks at me and thinks “he doesn’t look that bad” but then is scared off when she clocks the wheelchair, hears my slurred voice or both.

Last year, I decided to start online dating because I thought it may be better if girls get to know me first before meeting so that my disability does not throw them. Obviously, my profile clearly states that I am in a wheelchair because that could potentially be the biggest shock ever on a first date so I am not sure what goes through some women’s brains. We’re chatting and getting on like a house on fire so decide to meet. She clearly is comfortable with the disability situation at first but then it dawns on her that she’ll be dating a disabled person so has to come up with an excuse last minute.

A lot of this shallowness I encounter comes from ignorance, which is why I’m constantly trying to make people more aware of disability.I completely understand why a girl wouldn’t want a disabled boyfriend. It’s just the fear of the unknown.