Pathways to a Deeper Relationship



Body, mind and sexual identities express themselves in daily communications. Inner temptations to conceal one or more authentic identities has contributed to people feeling confined, less important and even invisible. The three prolonged identities can produce greater challenges for people with physical disabilities.

Importance of full acceptance in the development of deeper relationships


This can happen whether you are born with physical disabilities or develop a physical disability following an accident, military service or a genetic condition. If you became disabled later in your life, you and the people  in your inner circle might struggle to find a new body identity.   It's identity struggles that could cause you to hide, to not accept yourself fully. Once this happens, your confidence and assertiveness might drop. This is one of the reasons why self-acceptance is critical to successful, intimate relationships.

Paths to more acceptance of the authentic self could find you engaging in meditation, prayer, stillness, pursuing creative and business passions and practicing wakefulness or awareness. Also, accepting yourself more fully could empower you to deal with identity struggles that potential partners are dealing with. As you continue to progress, you could become strong enough to face rejection and continue dating.

You might be ready to deal with the fact that it has nothing to do with you when others struggle with your identity or pull away.   Potential partners might also believe that, due to a physical or mental disability, you are unable to care for yourself. As odd as it seems, a potential suitor could believe this even after you tell her that you've been taking care of yourself for years.  

Moving beyond erroneous thoughts

Regarding erroneous perceptions that people have, Baylor College of Medicine shares that, "It has been said that women with disabilities may be perceived as useless in that people consider them unable to care for children and partners, coordinate households, and perform other traditional female roles."  

Moving beyond these and other erroneous thoughts requires education. However, personal experiences may produce the best awareness. These personal experiences come through dating, socializing with other couples and courageous living. Instead of hiding healthy sexual desires, after a relationship advances, talk with the person who you are dating about the desires.  

Be comfortable. Relax. Treat yourself and the person you are dating with respect. Explore fun activities with your date. Engage in deep conversations with your partner. Surface conversations may feel fun, but they don't connect people as assuredly as deeper conversations. However, keep traveling, learning and having fun on your own. And keep an open mind.

Trust yourself. If a relationship doesn't feel right, consider walking away so you are open to exploring a relationship with someone who is ready to love you fully.   With an open mind, you might find yourself enjoying a rewarding, intimate relationship with a healthy adult who doesn't have a physical disability. This relationship might also be with someone who does have a physical disability.  

When you feel comfortable pursuing a sexual relationship with your partner, consider researching products that can support more than one sexual position. The original IntimateRider, positioning support straps and the IntimateRider Romance Set are types of products that can offer comfort, confidence and increased sexual pleasure for you and your partner.    

Sources: https://www.disabled-world.com/communication/ https://www.bcm.edu/research/centers/research-on-women-with-disabilities/topics/psychosocial-health/intimate-relationships