When it comes to understanding deafness many people find it a mystery. Unlike other disabilities, being deaf is hidden, leaving people to create their own perception of what deafness is and what to do when encountering someone who’s deaf. But what society rarely thinks about is the dating lives of deaf people. Meet Disabled Singles, shares 6 of the biggest misconceptions about dating someone who is deaf, plus how to overcome challenges.
Even though disabled singles dating is flourishing, non-disabled individuals usually assume that whether you’re deaf or physically disabled, you don’t date. And we all know that’s just plain crazy.
It’s time to uncover the biggest misconceptions about the dating lives of deaf people. That way, we can work towards eliminating them, creating more of an understanding and cohesive society.
1. Choosing where to go on a date is difficult
Many people wonder where they would take their date if they were deaf. But deciding where to take your date shouldn’t be that hard. Yes, they’re deaf, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy grabbing a cup of coffee, watching a movie (with subtitles), or going bike riding.
Dating a deaf person is the same as dating a non-deaf person. Instead of worrying where to take them because they’re deaf, focus on finding places where you two can get to know each other.
2. Deaf people can’t talk on dates
In reality, some deaf people can speak very well. Their ability to speak depends on the individual and their background.
Some deaf people decide not to speak due to difficulties with volume and pitch. While other deaf people work with speech pathologists to improve their speech. If you think you won’t be able to have a conversation with a deaf person, you’re wrong.
3. If you’re not deaf, it won’t work
Many people assume that if you’re deaf you need to date someone who’s also deaf. There’s this idea that since you’re both deaf, it’ll be easier to understand each other, But that is absurd.
A non-deaf individual maybe hasn’t had the same life experiences as a deaf person. But that doesn’t mean they can’t relate to one another.
If this was the case then the world would be chaos. No one would be able to connect with other people from various cultures or religions. But people learn to have empathy, understanding and feelings of another person.
If you’re deaf, you can date someone who’s not deaf and have a healthy and loving relationship. Deafness doesn’t interfere or determine the connection two people have.
4. Dating someone who’s deaf is a lot of work
People assume that dating someone who’s deaf requires more effort and work than dating someone who’s not deaf. To some extent, it’s true. Dating someone who’s deaf does take effort. You will need to work on finding an effective way to communicate with each other. But you have this challenge in any relationship.
All relationships require effort and constant work. Non-deaf people struggle with communication; it’s a serious problem most couples have. If anything, dating someone who is deaf pushes you to immediately deal with communication issues instead of ignoring them.
5. Sex with a deaf person must be gentle
Many non-disabled people are nervous when dating or having sex with someone who has a disability. There’s this idea that they’re fragile and must be treated very gently.
The stereotype of disabled people being ’fragile’ is upsetting and holds them back from experiencing genuine connection. It’s understandable that no one wants to do or say the wrong thing.t TBut this is why communication is crucial between two people.
6. Deaf people have different sexual needs
A deaf person has a hearing impairment that has nothing to do with their sexual needs. A person’s ability to hear doesn’t mean they need ’special treatment’ in the bedroom. Of course, everyone has their own sexual preferences, whether they’re deaf or not.
Some people are aroused by feet; other people enjoy anal sex or BDSM. These sexual preferences vary from person to person.
At the end of the day, deaf people require the same things as a non-deaf person. They want affection, love, connection, and intimacy. How they choose to receive them, depends on what they sexually enjoy.
By Meet Disabled Singles
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