Ask The Social Man: dating when you have a health disorder

Lori,

Have fun and get out there.

Your "disease" is something you should definitely bring up once you gotten at a deep emotional level at a much later stage during a relationship. Additionally, if you don't have the symptoms handled - just let your partner know that you're under medication and are weak to the side effects. No big deal to keep it on the DL for now.

CARPE DIEM girl; Go enjoy life! :)

This question does hit on a personal level one who has overcome many disabilities. To become some sort of a higher value guy. In the past recent months I have been reconnecting with a former ex and I thought about what advice would you have this in a role reversal is it the same or something different

Of course it's the same.

With today's advancements in medicine, most disorders can be worse because of the stigma attached to it than the physical symptoms.

Once again, if you're thinking about the long haul, it's important to present it in a mature way, but that shouldn't be happening until deeper levels of the relationship happen, and definitely not if you're just dating, enjoying your life, and meeting people.

Hey Nick thanks for the advice on that. Just abit of update on that. Things really fell through the hinge. Her parents and family kept reminding her of everything I did in the past that lead to the end of the relationship. I guess in the end couldn't show her that I am a better person. But hey what can you do.

Thanks for addressing my health question on your video blog! I do appreciate your advice and your encouragement! Your thoughts and recommendations make a lot of sense. Keep things light and fun (which after my ordeal I could use a good dose of) for dating, and don't worry about sharing such personal information unless something more serious is developing.

I am in remission now and have no idea when or if it will occur again. When I was first diagnosed I thought I was doomed to nun status, that I was too damaged and that somehow I didn't deserve to have fun and be happy. But now that I am feeling better, and with encouragement like yours, I am reminded that life is short and I should, and deserve, to enjoy it.

Thanks guys! xo Laurie

Our pleasure Laurie,

Nun status is the craziest thing I've ever heard of. 40 years ago someone diagnosed with MS wasn't likely to make it past age 20. Nowadays, MS only cuts about 5 years off of the average human's life expectancy, and I'm sure I've easily shaved about 5 years off of my life through not always living the healthiest lifestyle. Plus, women out-live men on average anyway so all in all it evens out.

Anyway, my point is is that you're completely right. After facing what you did, you certainly deserve to enjoy some good times more than most. And I wish as many of them as possible for you.

Best of luck with everything!