That Date With Bob

It was only one date; but it told me so much about myself

It started like so many relationships. We both swiped right on OKCupid. Bob sounded smart and kind in his initial message. His photos looked acceptable. It was around the time I decided to not include the fact that I have a disability in my online dating profile, and decided to be completely transparent in communicating with men I dated:

the-truth-shall-set-you-free-9349c748d42d

In fact, when Bob and I switched our mode of communication to texting I sent him the link to that story. I didn’t want anyone to be surprised when they learned of my circumstances. I was confused when he responded with “Did you know I had a stroke?”

I wasn’t sure how I would have known this. It was not part of his dating profile, nor had he mentioned it until I sent him that story. At first, it seemed as if we might be a match made in heaven. What are the odds of two middle aged people connecting on a dating app who suffered strokes before they were fifty? We decided we should meet.

I kept an open mind about meeting a man with a disability. After all, I was expecting men to go out with me and my disability. But, I had some concerns about becoming involved with a disabled man. I had only been involved with able bodied men. I had grown…