This leads me to dating sites. There are numerous sites available now. Some are free whilst others you have to pay a subscription. Or do you go with a disabled website?
Which? did a review of dating websites, which includes prices of the subscription (at the time of their review, no longer on their website). I decided to try both a pay-for dating website (eHarmony) and pay-for disabled site (EnabledAlready). I went for a paid subscription as I wanted to be taken seriously. Mind you, my expectations for both were still low.
Both sites are free to register. For eHarmony that means assessing yourself, answering personal questions and how you want to appear to others, including uploading a photograph or two. I liked their approach as it forced me, for once in my life, to stop and think about what I wanted in a relationship. The big question was whether to mention MS in the personal information. I posed the question on Twitter and got a mixed reaction, as expected. Some people with MS felt being honest was necessary and others thought leaving it out initially was wise, but be upfront about it later. I decided the latter would be my approach but did say I am in a wheelchair, and included an arty picture of it. After all, I have other qualities that I'm sure will appeal to other people - I am me, not a consequence of MS of course.
For EnabledAlready, there were a few straight forward questions and a photograph.
For both, 'browsing' is free. However, a subscription is needed to start talking to anyone. I'm used to the online community so talking to complete strangers - whilst odd - is second nature to me these days. You do have to be ready for radio silence though so a thick skin is essential.
EnabledAlready was a much smaller website with fewer users. I chatted to several ladies on there (none with MS). Nothing further happened but it was fun to chat and meet other like-minded people.
(EnabledAlready has subsequently closed following the retirement of the owners, but Whispers4U is similar.)
eHarmony has worked for me though. I met a young lady. We emailed for a few weeks, chatted on the phone and finally met up. MS is no big deal to her (it's probably a bigger deal for me) and she likes me for who I am. She has her own issues of course but that's a relief as we can work together and start our journey knowing neither of us is perfect.
My conclusion: Never say never. Get out there and enjoy yourself.