Dating with a Disability: Springtime Date Ideas

This is a guest post on the EasyStand Blog by Tiffiny Carlson.

We all know that having a disability can be limiting. So when it comes to creating a fabulous date that not only you and your date can do, but enjoy, suggestions definitely help.

As a dating columnist for over 5 years, and as a 29 year old disabled female who’s been on more dates than she can count (hardcore dating all through my twenties, my friends), I’m like the disabled version of Carrie Bradshaw. So with that, I decided to make a list highlighting my favorite Springtime date ideas. I love going on dates once it warms up again. Being able to hang outside and enjoy the city helps immensely when trying to find fun stuff to do if you and your date are an able-bodied/disabled mix.

Also (in case you’re not in the know), there’s seriously nothing better than enjoying sunshine/warm weather *simultaneously* with a romantic interest. It’s like nature’s homemade Prozac, or something.

Onward to my Top 5 Springtime dates!

- Flower shopping: Instead of being a traditionalist and buying your date some flowers beforehand, or for the ladies, allowing your date to buy you some flowers, suggest going to a flower shop ON your date, and buy the flowers together. Shopping for flowers, especially on a first date, can be romantic and for some, an even sensual experience. The ‘shopping’ also initiates easy conversation which, you know, is kind of important. And making sure the flower shop is accessible helps too :p

- Fishing: The process of fishing requires a lot of sitting and waiting, which leaves plenty of time to just talk, making this one of the best  (and perfectly accessible) ways to really get to know your date. Even if you haven’t fished in years, stop by any Target-like store and you’ll be able to pick up a fishing pole for under $20. And then, venture out to a bait store and buy some worms together; a gross, yet fun “group” activity. Pick a romantic stream or lake, even pack some wine or some munchies to nom on during your little outing. Bonus points if you date fillets their own fish.

- Farmer’s markets: Once Spring hits in most cities, the farmer’s markets open up. A sure sign of Spring. Research the farmer’s markets in your area online, making sure your know which days/hours they’re open. So whether you’re limited to a weekend morning date, a weekday afternoon date, or whatever, the “farmer’s market” date is one of the best in existence. This is for sure. You’re out in a bustling crowd, sponging off it’s energy, and you just get to just explore together, which is fun. You can also
go a step further and cook your goodies together afterwards (another excellent way to bond).

- Do a walk/roll marathon: A lot of marathons nowadays are allowing people in wheelchairs to participate in the walking portion. This is great news for all of us because the process of participating in a marathon, especially if it’s for a non-profit, is exhilarating. Also, doing things on a date than can benefit the world will add a deeper importance to the date, making the experience all the more richer.

- Outdoor concerts: I saved my favorite warm weather date idea for last. Music, the great humanity connector, is without a doubt the best way to take a date into the upper echelon of awesomeness. First of all, live music is peaceful, helping erase away any first (and second or third) date jitters you may have had. Also, music lifts the spirits, helping you and your date have a date that’s buoyed by happiness; a surefire way to create a memorable time together. And if you manage to slip in a little bit of chair-dancing, bonus points. Hella bonus points.

What have been your most memorable date experiences? Do you have any springtime date ideas to add to this list?