Looking For Love after Amputation

The questions that I hear most when I visit new amputees are always about dating and relationships. That doesn’t surprise me at all. This is a sensitive issue for most people.

When you have experienced something that can really impact your self-confidence and your self-image, it can be very unsettling at first. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I remember being in my hospital room when it was quiet and I would begin to ask myself, “What does this mean for my future?” I always came back to the same question. I was only 25 and single. Would I be alone forever? At the time I really had no self-confidence and I had no idea if anyone would ever find me attractive or interesting enough to date. Once I was finally able to get back up on my feet, and get around well, I decided to give it a try.

Because I was very insecure with myself and my self-image, I tried to present the image of being strong and confident. At first it seemed as if people would avoid me and not be interested in getting to know more about me. I naturally assumed it was because I was an amputee and wore prosthetic legs. Later, I realized that people could sense that I was not being open and honest. I wasn’t being myself. It wasn’t until I was fed up with looking for Mrs. Right that I dropped the image and was myself. When I did that, it seemed like the world had opened up to me.

I have a lot of friends who have many different types of physical limitations. Almost all of them are very happy in loving relationships. In order to have a great relationship you must have honesty, compassion, understanding, respect, and love. As far as I know, there is not a single physical disability that can take those things from you. Actually some of my friends have met other people with the same or different physical challenge and their relationships are stronger than most relationships because they respect and understand each other in a way other people cannot.

There are many people who are amazing husbands, wives, fathers and mothers while also having a physical challenge. Don’t let your challenge become an excuse. There is no reason why you should ever give up looking for love.